More Than a Meal

Food as a Blessing — Do We Take It for Granted?

When we think about food, most of us probably think about what we are going to have for breakfast, what we will prepare for lunch, or what we need to buy for supper. Food is part of our everyday routine. We eat when we are hungry, we shop for groceries, and we plan our meals. But how often do we stop and think about what food really means to us, and how fortunate we are to have it?

This week, our morning drive-time discussions are centred around the theme “More Than a Meal”, inspired by World Food Day, observed annually on 16 October. World Food Day draws attention to the importance of food security, access to nutritious food, and the need to work towards a world where everyone has access to enough food to live a healthy life.

We have chosen this theme because food is something that connects every one of us. Regardless of our background, culture or circumstances, we all need food. Yet, while some of us spend time deciding what we feel like eating, others face the much more difficult question of whether there will be enough food for the day.

That difference is worth thinking about.

For many households, having a stocked fridge, a warm meal waiting at home, or enough groceries to last until the end of the month may seem ordinary. We can become so accustomed to these everyday comforts that we stop recognising them as blessings. We might complain about what has been prepared, waste what we don’t feel like eating, or spend money on food without giving much thought to the effort and resources that went into producing it.

But food does not simply appear on our plates. Farmers grow crops, workers harvest produce, drivers transport goods, shopkeepers stock their shelves, and families spend time and money preparing meals. Behind something as ordinary as a loaf of bread is an entire journey involving people, resources and hard work.

From an Islamic perspective, food is among the many blessings of Allah ﷻ that deserve our gratitude. The Qur’an repeatedly reminds us to recognise the provisions we have been given and to be grateful to our Creator. Gratitude, however, is about more than simply saying Alhamdulillah after eating. It is also reflected in how we treat what we have been given.

Do we appreciate our food? Do we avoid unnecessary waste? Do we remember those who may not have enough? And do we recognise that having food available is not something everyone can take for granted?

These are important questions because gratitude should influence our actions. When we appreciate food, we are more likely to take reasonable portions, make good use of leftovers, and think carefully before throwing something away. We may also become more aware of the needs of others and more willing to share what we have.

Of course, appreciating food does not mean that we cannot enjoy our favourite meals, celebrate special occasions or appreciate good cooking. Food brings happiness, comfort and connection. A meal shared with family can become a treasured memory, while a simple dish prepared by someone who cares for us can carry far more meaning than its ingredients suggest.

Food is nourishment, but it is also culture, hospitality, family and community. It can bring people together after a long day, help us celebrate important moments, and allow us to show kindness without needing many words.

Yet, as we appreciate these positive aspects of food, we must also acknowledge the reality of hunger and food insecurity. Rising living costs can make it difficult for families to afford groceries, and some people must make painful choices between food and other essential expenses. Remembering these realities should not make us feel guilty for what we have, but it should encourage compassion and responsibility.

Throughout this week, we will look at food from different perspectives: the problem of food waste, the memories and traditions connected to family meals, the guidance Islam offers about eating, and our responsibility towards people who struggle to access food.

The intention is not simply to talk about what we eat, but to reflect on our relationship with food and the choices we make every day.

So, as we begin this week, perhaps the simplest place to start is with gratitude. The next time you sit down for a meal, take a moment to appreciate what is before you, the effort that brought it to your table, and the blessing of being able to eat.

Because sometimes, it takes very little to remind us that what we consider ordinary may be something another person is desperately hoping for.

Food is more than a meal. It is a blessing to appreciate, a resource to respect, and an opportunity to care for others.