Food is more than just what’s on our plates, it’s a universal language that carries memory, identity, and tradition. It connects people across cultures, generations, and communities in ways that go far beyond flavour or nutrition. In today’s workplaces and networks, fostering inclusion is more important than ever. By pairing food with storytelling, we can spark curiosity, celebrate culture, and create shared experiences that break down barriers, spark meaningful conversations, and build environments where everyone feels they truly belong.

As someone who has spent over 20 years working in HR and Diversity & Inclusion before launching Tosimba-By-Bee, I’ve seen first-hand how belonging impacts performance, wellbeing, and culture. Belonging isn’t built through policies alone, it’s built through human connection. And food, I believe, is one of the most powerful ways to achieve this.

Food is universal. No matter where we come from, we all have a dish that reminds us of home, of childhood, or of family. By creating space to share these foods and the stories behind them, we create opportunities for empathy, curiosity, and respect.

In business settings, food can shift the dynamic of a room. I’ve worked with corporate teams who initially approached cultural events as a “tick-box exercise.” But once we introduced dishes from across Africa and the Caribbean, paired with the stories of why these foods mattered, the room came alive. People began to ask questions, share their own experiences, and even admit what they didn’t know. That’s where real inclusion starts with curiosity and openness.

Storytelling is key. A plate of jollof rice is delicious, but when I share the cultural significance of how it’s made in Ghana versus Nigeria and how it sparks playful debates it becomes more than food. It becomes a cultural bridge, an invitation to engage, and a way of honouring identity.

In schools, I’ve used food storytelling to help children understand difference in a positive light. I started Tosimba-By-Bee because my own children were being marginalised in school, and I wanted to equip communities with tools to build understanding. Food turned out to be the perfect medium. Children may not fully grasp diversity frameworks, but they understand flavour, fun, and story. Through shared meals, they begin to see diversity as something to celebrate, not fear.

The workplace is no different. Leaders often ask how to “make inclusion real.” My answer: start with people’s lived experiences. A cultural lunch-and-learn, a recipe-sharing initiative, or celebrating key cultural moments through food can all spark conversation and build a sense of belonging. It doesn’t replace strategy, but it strengthens it, because it makes inclusion tangible.

Finally, food reminds us of our shared humanity. In a world where differences often divide, a shared meal brings us back to what unites us. When we sit down to eat together, we listen differently, we connect differently, and we remember that, at the heart of it, we are all human.