Longer Tables, Not Higher Walls

Bienvenidos! Together we can channel the power of food to change the world.

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 others wanted to build higher walls. We need to talk to each other, to enjoy our differences, to celebrate our diversity. Not push people away because they look or sound different.

Our challenges may be complicated, but the solutions are sometimes very simple.

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Longer Tables, the name of this newsletter, is my way of saying that we are not Democrats or Republicans, Americans or immigrants, meat-eaters or vegans. We are the people of the world, who cook and eat and drink together.

Why do I believe in the power of food to change the world? Because I’ve seen it happen in so many places.

It’s easy to learn to expect the worst of people in the worst disasters. But what I’ve seen in war zones and hurricanes, wildfires and food deserts, and most recently in Ukraine and Uvalde, is just the opposite. In times of need, people step up. In times of disaster, you can see communities coming together. You can see the best of people. All you need to do is help them to help themselves, 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.

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What I’m cooking up on Substack

Longer Tables is a home for stories that show how food connects us. Each week, I’ll explore our shared food history and food future, the politics of hunger and nutrition, and the state of disaster relief. With the help of my talented team, I’ll also answer your cooking questions, post cool interviews and profiles of my food heroes, plus video postcards from my home in Washington, D.C., and my travels.

Pull up a chair to our Longer Table

Talking of travel, you may have noticed I’m on the road—a lot. Longer Tables is going to be a key way that I stay in touch with our growing community of food lovers and activists.

In addition to the free material available to everyone, I’ll send video messages exclusively for subscribers from wherever I am—whether that’s in Lviv or traveling (and eating) in my native Spain.

Members also will have access to an archive of my favorite recipes, from classics like white gazpacho and gambas al ajillo, to my favorite tapas—some of which don’t even require you to turn on the stove. (Open a can of Spanish anchovies. Open a jar of piquillo peppers. Assemble on a plate and garnish with green olives. Drizzle with olive oil. Boom!)

Substack members can also join in monthly community discussion threads about those recipes, cooking hacks and, of course, the national and international food policies that affect us all.

All this costs $6 a month or $50 a year. And for the first six months of publication, through Dec. 31, 2022, Longer Tables will donate 100% of our net subscription revenue to World Central Kitchen. (After that, 20% of our net subscription revenue will go to WCK.) So you can feed your brain while feeding the world.

One more thing: If you can’t afford a subscription, don’t worry! I came to America as a young cook with just a few dollars in my pocket. I want to bring people together around Longer Tables. If you want to become a member but can’t, just email us at longertables@thinkfoodgroup.com. We’ll sign you up, no questions asked. 

People of the world: I know that the news today can feel dark. But we also need to make the space for joy and hope. Together we can channel the power of food to change things for the better. It all starts with building longer tables. I hope you will join me.