The Death of Food Culture

Food was never meant to be a symbol of social superiority.

It's survival. It's creativity. It's the common thread that connects us all, cutting across every social and cultural boundary. Food brings people together.

But somehow, thanks to marketers and influencers selling $20 smoothies, we've turned meals into luxury items and status.

Food isn't a badge you wear to show your "status" on TikTok. It's not supposed to be an Instagram moment at Erewhon to impress people who probably wouldn't give you the time of day in real life.

What's happening is class division. These overpriced, gimmicky foods create a line between the "haves" and "have-nots," as if spending $45 on organic kale chips somehow makes someone more deserving of respect or admiration.

Meanwhile, most people are just trying to survive. They're working, raising families, paying bills, and figuring out how to put food on the table.

This trend has created a culture where expensive health foods and flashy products become status symbols. Influencers push these brands, making people feel like they're falling behind if they can't afford the latest wellness trend or restaurant. Meanwhile, large corporations cash in while small food businesses and restaurants struggle to compete.

Food should never be a measuring stick for someone's worth.

It's fuel. It's survival.

The real problem is manipulation.

Marketing has convinced people that they're somehow lesser because they didn't spend $500 on a grocery haul or drink a collagen smoothie every morning. Let's be honest. A lot of this isn't about health. It's about selling an image. Fuck you.

As industry professionals, it's on us to push back.

We are at the center of food culture. We have the ability to tear down these walls. Stop supporting brands and restaurants that charge ridiculous prices just to feel exclusive. Serve honest food that doesn't require a trust fund to enjoy. Highlight dishes that bring people together regardless of what's in their wallet.

Food isn't supposed to separate people.

It's supposed to bring them together.

We have the power to lead by example. Give people real experiences with food. Create meals that celebrate everyone, not just people with money to burn. Support local farms that care about what they produce. Volunteer at a soup kitchen or homeless shelter and remember that food is about service, not showing off.

Show people that food can be the great equalizer again.

Not another way to decide who belongs.

Food belongs to everyone.

🖕