Students Experience Culture through Food

French and Spanish students taking FRE399-Food Culture of France and SPN205-Intermediate Spanish for Heritage Speakers this semester in the LLC Department had an unusual opportunity to explore foods related to their studies.  Thursday, 2/13/25, they and their faculty gathered at the AJW Caribbean Restaurant (specializing in Haitian food) to learn about foods from the restaurant's owner and to discuss Caribbean foods from both the Caribbean's French and Spanish traditions.  These foods share contributions from a variety of other cultures.  Students enjoyed discussing Haitian and Dominican food similarities and differences from a historical perspective, and noted that food is intertwined with identify, cultural expression, tradition and connection to family.  Students will also be learning about efforts to combat food insecurity around NY State in April as part of the Postcolonial Lab experience, funded by the Humanities Lab project.