How Afromeals Foundation Used Food to Bring Cultures Together at Welcome Dayton's World Refugee Day

When people think about food, they often think about recipes or meals. At Afromeals Foundation, we see something much bigger. Food is a universal language that brings people together, preserves culture, sparks conversation, and creates meaningful connections between people from different backgrounds.

That belief came to life during Welcome Dayton's World Refugee Day, where Chef Gabi Odebode, Founder and President of Afromeals Foundation, led an interactive African-inspired spice blend workshop. Instead of simply watching a cooking demonstration, participants became creators — mixing herbs and spices, discovering new flavors, and taking home their own custom seasoning blend.

The experience perfectly reflected the mission of Afromeals Foundation: using food and nutrition education to empower individuals, celebrate cultural diversity, and strengthen communities.

What Is Welcome Dayton's World Refugee Day?

World Refugee Day is observed annually to recognize the strength, resilience, and contributions of refugees around the world. In Dayton, Ohio, Welcome Dayton hosts one of the region's largest celebrations, bringing together local organizations, nonprofits, businesses, artists, educators, and families to honor the many cultures that enrich the community.

For Afromeals Foundation, participating in this event was a natural extension of our mission to use food as a bridge between cultures.

Every Spice Has a Story

One by one, people gathered around the table, picking up measuring spoons and taking in the aroma of herbs and spices they may never have cooked with before. Those simple questions about what spices taste like and how to use them quickly turned into conversations about favorite meals, family traditions, and the different ways cultures use herbs and spices to bring food to life.

Instead of providing a recipe to follow, Chef Gabi Odebode invited everyone to experiment and create a blend that reflected their own taste. There were no wrong combinations, just an opportunity to learn, explore, and try something new.

Learning by Doing

One of the best parts of the workshop was seeing how quickly people became comfortable trying something new. Some participants carefully smelled each spice before deciding whether to add it to their blend. Children were especially excited to scoop, measure, and mix their own combinations, proudly showing off their finished spice packets before taking them home.

That's the approach we believe in at Afromeals Foundation. The most meaningful learning often happens when people are actively involved. When someone has the opportunity to try something for themselves, they're more likely to remember it, build confidence, and use those skills again at home.

Advancing the Mission of Afromeals Foundation

At Afromeals Foundation, our mission extends beyond teaching recipes. We are committed to improving food security and nutrition education through culturally relevant cooking experiences that empower children, families, and communities.

Whether we are teaching children during our Summer Food & Nutrition Cooking Camps, partnering with schools, or participating in community events like Welcome Dayton's World Refugee Day, our goal remains the same: to use food as a tool for education, connection, and empowerment.

Looking Ahead

Participating in Welcome Dayton's World Refugee Day reminded us that meaningful change often begins with simple conversations around a table. What started as bowls of herbs and spices became an opportunity for people to share stories, ask questions, learn from one another, and celebrate the rich cultures that make our communities stronger.

As Afromeals Foundation continues to grow, we remain committed to creating experiences that inspire confidence in the kitchen, celebrate culture through food, and empower people with practical food and nutrition education. Because when people learn together, communities grow stronger together.