Longer tables, not higher walls

When things look dark, remember why we're here.

Hello people. It’s been a tough week for so many of us. I can’t imagine how everyone is feeling…I just know how I am feeling, as an immigrant, a father of three daughters, a business owner, a food first responder.

I just wanted to send a quick note today to you all to remind myself, and hopefully all of us, why we’re here. A meal is never just a plate of food. It has the power to change the world, to bring people together, to tell the story of who we are and where we’re going.

That’s why I started talking about longer tables when some people want to build higher walls. We need to talk to each other, to enjoy our differences, to celebrate our diversity…not to push people away because they look or sound different. This is not a fight between people. I’ve been in many places across America and genuinely there are good people everywhere who just want to provide for their families…and I’m always happy to talk to them, to learn from them, to work with them.

Every day we should be thinking about how to make room at the table—pulling up as many chairs as are needed so everyone has a seat.

Why do I believe in the power of food to change the world—even during a week like this one? Because I’ve seen it happen in so many places.

When you see it only in movies, you learn to expect the worst of people in times of disaster. Instead, what I’ve seen in war zones and floods, wildfires and food deserts, is the exact opposite. When people are in need, their neighbors will step up. When a disaster happens, you will see communities coming together. You truly can see the best of people. In emergencies it’s never blue or red…it’s people helping people. All you need to do is to start cooking, one plate at a time. A hot meal tells them someone, somewhere, cares.

Food is the beginning of a better life. It’s a plate of hope.

So people…I know it’s been a difficult week, and we have challenging times ahead. But I’m glad we have each other, this community.

Let’s not forget to be always looking beyond the horizon, at what could be if we keep believing, keep pushing, stay together, not fall apart.

Thank you for being part of Longer Tables.