Abstract / Description of output
MERCY Baguma was in the thoughts and hearts of many of us this bank holiday weekend. Recent reports suggest she was supported by family and friends and that her story is more complex than that first portrayed in the media. One of the striking aspects of her story is the role of community in her life in Govan, through her son’s toddler group, and through community food networks.
Shortly before her death, Mercy was videoed receiving a delivery of rice, yams, and other African foods from Africa Challenge Scotland. She is heard expressing appreciation for being able to have some home comforts at a difficult time. It is a touching scene and it underlines the importance of food as a means of not just physical but also psychological sustenance. It suggests that we should not measure food security by physical proximity to food but instead by the social, cultural, emotional and psychological distance one must travel in order to access it; moreover, to access joy from it.
Shortly before her death, Mercy was videoed receiving a delivery of rice, yams, and other African foods from Africa Challenge Scotland. She is heard expressing appreciation for being able to have some home comforts at a difficult time. It is a touching scene and it underlines the importance of food as a means of not just physical but also psychological sustenance. It suggests that we should not measure food security by physical proximity to food but instead by the social, cultural, emotional and psychological distance one must travel in order to access it; moreover, to access joy from it.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Type | Op-Ed |
| Media of output | The Herald |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Sept 2020 |