What is a culture without food? Most folks can identify with some specific culture and can name a type of food that corresponds to that culture. There is Chinese food, Italian food, Mexican food, and so many others. There are several cultures that I had never considered before. After reading “Breaking Bread with a Spread” by Sandra Cate, my eyes have been opened to the food enjoyed by the inmates of the San Francisco County Jail, who seem to have a culture all their own. Another article, “The Cultural Politics of Eating in Shenzhen” by Mary Ann O’Donnell, showed me how to take a more political approach to seeing food within a culture, specifically the food enjoyed by those in different parts of China.

                Cate discussed in depth the type of food that prisoners enjoy—spread. Spread, their own creation, combines many common food items—chips, cheese, beef jerky, etc.—with ramen noodles. It is something more flavorful and unique than the food served in prisons that they can make themselves and enjoy with the other inmates. Cate described how they would often all bring something to add to the spread, and then share it among themselves. She also noted that several inmates said they would share their spread with anyone who was hungry. The spread not only provided a satisfying meal for the men, but also served as a communal bond. Even after they were released from jail, some said they continued to make spread; for themselves, their families, and friends.

                O’Donnell investigated the city of Shenzhen in China and discussed the food eaten there depending on the culture of the people. The history of the city caused the people to be separated into several cultural groups. The majority of the population is not native to their area, and brings several different styles of food to the culture. One woman O’Donnell talked to told her about growing up in Northeastern China. Originally from Beijing, she received the food rations of an urban resident and ate well. After a year though, she received the treatment of a rural resident and had to work for her food. She often went hungry because she did not understand agriculture and was not successful in growing wheat and corn. Sitting in a restaurant in the big city of Shenzhen, she eats cornbread and remembers when it was a rarity during her days in the country. Her son, however, does not appreciate cornbread the way she does, for he doesn’t understand its value to her culture.

                Overall, both articles were eye-opening to the role food plays in any sort of culture. It is something that has value, not only for its nourishment, but for the community it brings together.