Why Food Is Political: A personal reflection on immigration, equity, and the values behind every plate of pasta

A personal reflection on immigration, equity, and the values behind every plate of pasta

At Sfoglina, we talk a lot about pasta—how it’s made, what’s in season, and how to honor tradition. But behind the flour and eggs, there’s something deeper that shapes every dish we serve: our belief that food is never just food.

Food is labor, history, identity, and access. It’s intertwined with who gets seen, who gets paid, and who gets left out. Whether we intend it or not, cooking and selling food is always political. For me, that truth has never been clearer than through the people I’ve had the privilege to work alongside.

Learning from Immigrant Communities

My own experience working alongside immigrant communities has shaped how I see the food system. Many of the people I’ve cooked with, sourced from, and learned from have stories shaped by migration, exploitation, and resilience. I’ve seen firsthand how broken the system is. I’ve watched people do everything “right.” They file the forms, pay their taxes, support their families, and still face endless slowdowns, legal fees, and threats to their safety. These are the same people who make restaurants run, who carry culinary knowledge across borders, and who rarely get the recognition or security they deserve.

Pasta Isn’t Political, but the People Who Make It Matter

I’m not saying that making pasta is activism. But I do believe that every small business has a choice: to ignore these realities or to act with intention. That’s why I try to hire fairly, source responsibly, and speak honestly about what I see. When I say food is political, I don’t mean partisan. I mean that it should be rooted in justice and dignity for the people who make it possible.

What Sfoglina Stands For

It is deeply important to me, and to this company, that we continue to use our voice to create a space of equity and safety for all. No matter your race, gender, sexual identity, immigration status, or background, Sfoglina accepts you. This is not theater, and it’s not about political parties. These are the values this company was built on. I’ve recently received angry messages for speaking out, but silence has never served justice. We will not trade our principles for comfort. This kitchen stands for more than pasta. It stands for people.

Hospitality Means More Than a Plate of Food

It’s easy to romanticize the beauty of handmade food without acknowledging the people who hold that knowledge or the systems that often exclude them. I believe it’s my responsibility as a business owner to do more than just honor the tradition. I need to protect the people behind it. That means offering fair pay, supporting legal aid when I can, and using my voice when others can’t. True hospitality reaches beyond the plate. It must extend into the structures that impact people’s lives.

A Table for Everyone

Food connects us, but it can also divide. It can be used to oppress, or it can be a force for liberation. I choose to believe in the latter. I believe in food sovereignty, in the strength of community, and in building a future where everyone has a seat at the table. Through food, we share stories, preserve cultures, and create spaces of joy and belonging. That is what we’re working toward. One meal, one voice, and one act of care at a time.