A Brief History Of Southern Church Food

Discover The Delicious Tradition Of Southern Church Food

If you move to America's South, the first question you may be asked by a local could very well be; "Have you found a church yet?" This is in no way meant to be intrusive. It is simply a Southern church goers way of opening up a conversation. Yes, Southern living very often embraces church living, and Southern people want to make sure the newcomer is welcomed properly.

All wrapped up in Southern church living is Southern food. Church and food are inseparable in the South. Religion, church going, and sharing food is part of the tradition. Whether food forms the basis for a religious ritual, or is used primarily as a way for a congregation to get together, food is central to almost every church service.

Lent is a good example of a religious ritual of abstinence that surprisingly still centers around food. In most Southern churches and religions, there is some sort of observance during the time leading up to Easter which involves abstinence or at least restraint of some sort.

However, that doesn't mean church goers don't gather for a feast! It just means that the menu is symbolic or sparse or limited somehow. For instance, Catholics may refrain from eating meat during Lent, but the church will be filled with the faithful on Friday nights to enjoy a fish dinner together. Abstaining from meat does not mean abstaining from fellowship and other food!

Potlucks are popular throughout the year in most Southern churches. Congregations will host a 'bring a dish to pass' meal once or even twice a week. This is so common that if you say the words 'church food' to anyone in the South they can probably name off a dozen or more potluck recipes that fit the bill.

This tradition of 'feeding the flock' not only creates a sense of community within the congregation but is also symbolic of the Last Supper. The communal table in the church is the perfect setting to reflect on the meaning of shared effort and sacrifice.

It is also not uncommon for some country churches to have day long gatherings, often having several services and meals from morning to evening. Years ago, this may have been started for the benefit of those who could not afford to travel back and forth often. Families would arrive for the early church service, eat a communal lunch, then stay for another church service, and partake in another meal before they packed up their family to go home.

Sharing 'church food' with fellow church goers is not only a way to strengthen the church community, but the community at large. Especially in the rural South, the church may be the only way neighbors can gather and build relationships. And, if while you're building that relationship you also happen to be enjoying some crispy fried chicken, cheesy macaroni, and a pile of tender stewed greens, then that's even better!

The next time a Southerner asks you if you've found a church yet, remember; there are many ways to worship, and this question should give you some real 'food' for thought. Enjoy!