The Color of Food: Stories of Race, Resilience and Farming

by Natasha Bowens

“Anyone who eats should read this You will come to the table with new appreciation for the intersections between race and food . . . powerful.”―Anna Lappé, author of Diet for a Hot Planet The growing trend of organic farming and homesteading is changing the way the farmer is portrayed in mainstream media, and yet, farmers of color are still largely left out of the picture. The Color of Food seeks to rectify this. By recognizing the critical issues that lie at the intersection of race and food, this stunning collection of portraits and stories challenges the status quo of agrarian identity. Author, photographer, and biracial farmer Natasha Bowens’ quest to explore her own roots in the soil leads her to unearth a larger story, weaving together the seemingly forgotten history of agriculture for people of color, the issues they face today, and the culture and resilience they bring to food and farming. The Color of Food teaches us that the food and farm movement is about more than buying local and protecting our soil. It is about preserving culture and community, digging deeply into the places we’ve overlooked, and honoring those who have come before us. Blending storytelling, photography, oral history, and unique insight, these pages remind us that true food sovereignty means a place at the table for everyone. “Natasha Bowens, through her compelling stories and powerful images of a rainbow of farmers, reminds us that the industrialization of our food system and the oppression of our people―two sides of the same coin―will, if not confronted, sow the seeds of our own destruction.”―Mark Winne, author of Food Town, USA AWARDS

Genres: Food, Nonfiction, Environment, Social Justice, Gardening, Politics, Agriculture

240 pages, Paperback

First published May 12, 2015

Reviews

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Color of Food is a vibrant, gorgeous looking book of stories told by farmers of color who are changing the landscape of farming and homesteading all over the world. I loved reading about the creativity and resilience of farmers of color as they work in community to fight exploitation, marginalization and bring good food to families and communities of color. I was amazed and heartened by the deep political organizing that is being done against corporate greed and that farmers and communities are finally being recognized as critical players as we continue to learn about race and class and culture and our food source. Thank you Edelweiss for giving me the opportunity to review this book for an honest opinion.

[Alicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

Realizing that the general image of "farmer" in the United States is of a white man despite the fact that so many farmers are farmers of color, author Natasha Bowens dedicates The Color of Food to raising the visibility of these folks and their efforts (and raising awareness of the systematic ways the food system in the U.S. is stacked against them). She gives so many beautiful portraits - both in words and photos - of farmers of color around the country - indigenous farmers, Latinx farmers, Asian farmers, Black farmers, farmers in rural areas and urban areas, farmers on the west coast, east coast, the South, and Southwest. A great, accessible intro to the topic of farming, social justice in farming, and an important reminder that the sustainable practices of agriculture we're seeing now were all first developed by communities of color.

[Brianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a year-long journey for me. The length of time it took me to read it had less to do with its content and more with its size and shape. It was awkward for me to hold and too large to carry around with me so I kept setting it aside in favor for a more reasonably sized book. That aside, it was thoroughly enjoyable and incredibly thoughtful. I loved how many diverse perspectives were brought together to teach such important ideas. I have never wanted to farm or garden more in my life, and this is coming from someone who can’t even keep a succulent alive. I would have liked it if some of the photos were a little clearer and better frames, but the content of the writing gets no complaints from me. As a side note, the author is super nice and very humble in person. It was a joy to meet her.

[Mayze · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished The Color of Food by @browngirlfarming a collection of interviews from Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) farmers, chefs, and students with various backgrounds from all across the land that we call the United States. The Color of Food reimagines the current image of the 'American' farmer and mainstream food systems by (re)introducing folks to indigenous food ways, cooperative food systems, and examples of food justice occurring here in the U.S. The Color of Food is another collection of stories that imparts the resiliency of  BIPOC communities as they continue to thrive in spite of rampant discrimination, climate change, and injustice. 

[Lethornton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is beautiful. I used it for a first year college seminar to help my students appreciate the untold stories of nonwhite Americans who have been impacted by our food system. They and I appreciated learning about how hard people are willing to work to have land where they can grow their own food. It is such an important human endeavor that so many of us take for granted.

[Jo Beck · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not overly impressive. Seemingly generalized. Not well organized. Not exactly groundbreaking.

[Rhonda Lomazow · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful eye opening book introducing us to the world of farmers.These farmers are unique they are farmers of color minorities bringing their own heritage&worldly views to farming.each has a special story from working in the farms to community activism to their daily struggles.highly recommend this book,

[Brian TramueL · Rating 5 out of 5]

A compilation of images and observations profiling Asian, Black, Latina and Native farmers in these United of States, unearthing critical issues where race and food intersect to challenge the status quo of agrarian identity. The Color of Food’s message is about preserving culture and community, not just about buying local and protecting soil.

Five Stars for the theme, captures and narratives.

[Madeleine · Rating 4 out of 5]

it's so important and does a wonderful job of what it does
i kind of wish it was organized differently. there are a lot of different things going on, but the author keeps a similar form throughout the six major sections. i also just would have loved to read more! the author acknowledges that there are so many stories she couldn't share, and i wish they were there

[Anandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant book with beautiful and much-needed stories to be told about people of color in agriculture.

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was wonderful to read something so very hopeful. Great stories!