Creative Cookbooks Challenge Exclusionary Foodie Culture for Disabled and Chronically Ill People
Two innovative cookbooks have emerged to confront the exclusionary aspects of foodie culture, particularly for those with disabilities and chronic illnesses. "Depression Cooking," authored by Sonali Menezes and published on September 29, was partially funded by the Disability Justice Network. Meanwhile, Aisha Mirza's "misery meals" is a unique, 250-page glow-in-the-dark cookbook that employs Christine Miserandino's spoon theory to evaluate recipes. Both works prioritize playful illustrations and invite contributions from queer trans individuals of the global majority. They are currently available for purchase or pre-order in locations such as Hamilton, Ontario, and London, United Kingdom.
Key facts
- Depression Cooking by Sonali Menezes was published on 29 September.
- misery meals by Aisha Mirza is a 250-page glow-in-the-dark, spiral-bound cookbook.
- Both books challenge exclusionary 'foodie' culture and center disability justice.
- Menezes's book was funded in part by the Disability Justice Network.
- Mirza's book uses Christine Miserandino's 2003 spoon theory to rate recipes.
- The books feature illustrations instead of photography, with playful and interactive elements.
- misery meals includes submissions from queer trans people of the global majority.
- Both books are available for purchase or pre-order.
Entities
Artists
- Sonali Menezes
- Aisha Mirza
- Kieran Yates
- Christine Miserandino
- Erchen Chang
Institutions
- Disability Justice Network
- misery
- Bao
- It's Nice That
- The Guardian
- Independent
- Dazed
- WePresent
Locations
- Hamilton
- Ontario
- Canada
- London
- United Kingdom