Everyone in the world needs food. And this gives us a shared purpose. Our Community Nutrition Team is committed to building relationships with our partners because we value food and the people who eat it.
For National Nutrition Month, the Community Nutrition Team asked four community partners to share stories about how food connects them to their personal and professional communities. These connections can happen in our Community Kitchen, at a Kids Summer Meals site, or simply at the dinner table with a new friend.
Food Bank Partner Tamiko McCullough is creative in introducing children to the joy of food. Tamiko is a Healthy Initiative Coordinator at Wake County Smart Start. This organization was formed to prepare young children with school readiness and pre-literacy programs, preventative health care, and nutrition education. At Wake County Head Start, Tamiko gives produce items like apples, carrots, and sweet potatoes to each daycare student to encourage hands-on learning. Her cooking classes empower both students and their community. Tamiko offers lessons to caregivers, Smart Start employees, and daycare staff. This education helps build a world where children are empowered by their caregivers to explore the food they love.
“Tamiko has shown us that one little apple can bring organizations together. She is driven to make big partnerships and coordination so that each student can learn one new thing.”
– Belén Rogers, Community Nutrition Manager
What does “Food” mean to you?
To me, food is a connection that ties together many aspects of life, providing sustenance, inspiring creativity, and reflecting culture. Food is a blessing that serves as a foundation for gratitude and symbolizes the freedom to choose what aligns with my personal tastes and preferences. Food is one of my love languages!
Professionally, how does food connect you to your community or your community to each other?
Professionally, food plays a key role in my work with childcare providers. Our goal is to help children gain a deeper understanding of fruits, vegetables, and healthy eating through fun, hands-on activities. We teach them where food comes from by involving them in creating and maintaining school gardens, offering taste tests, and hosting cooking classes. We also aim to empower adults by offering cooking lessons and guidance on how to read food labels. Partnering with local farmers and community agencies helps to increase access to fresh produce. Sharing and preparing meals with childcare providers strengthens relationships and promotes teamwork and collaboration.
Personally, how does food connect you to your community?
Personally, food is a way for me to stay connected to my heritage and culture. It helps me feel grounded, whether I’m preparing a family recipe, taking part in community food events, or sharing with others. Food has a unique ability to bring people together, creating opportunities for conversation, tradition, and shared experiences. Whether it’s gathering around the dinner table with loved ones or exploring a new restaurant with friends, it’s a meaningful way to build and nurture personal relationships.
“To me, food is a connection that ties together many aspects of life, providing sustenance, inspiring creativity, and reflecting culture.”
–Tamiko McCullough, Healthy Initiative Coordinator, Wake County Smart Start
This March, we celebrate National Nutrition Month with our Food Connects Us blog series. The Community Nutrition Team asked four community partners to share stories about how food connects them to their community. This includes Betty Nzau, Rachel Ezzel, and Hiliana Patino. Follow our blog series and go to our Youtube page to learn healthy recipes and cooking tips.
