as a child, i grew up learning not to waste food. i often wonder why i, and many others across the globe, lost sight of that lesson as we grew up. 

lately, i’ve started to love cooking. but this newfound activity comes with some important questions: why does it hurt when no one eats the leftovers of the food i made? why doesn’t it hurt when i throw the last couple bites of someone else’s hard work away? why do i spend on groceries that i won’t eat? why am i not the only one that makes these mistakes? 

food is a powerful force in our lives and the degree to which we waste it has serious environmental, social, economic, and civil impacts. food is also powerful enough to bring communities and cultures together and i’d love to help people gain more respect for food. 

this video was filmed over the fall of 2025 during a time when the government shutdown in the united states had halted snap benefits for millions of americans. the video focuses on how i, and the people around me, view food and what that relationship looks like.