By Lily Keeley

Comfort foods are attached to our hearts and culture. They bring in a feeling of nostalgia and emotional comfort. Generally, these are foods related to home-cooked meals, family gatherings, and cherished memories from our past. Their importance comes from their emotional relief and consolation when in stressful or uncertain situations. They remind one of simpler times and hence can be a source of joy and contentment. 

Comfort foods have their roots in various cultural and historical influences. In many cultures, dishes have been passed down, with flavors and ingredients that come from the traditional influence particular to that region. As people migrated and settled in many parts of the world, their food traditions moved around the world to create a rich tapestry of comfort foods currently enjoyed internationally. Globalization has allowed for comfort foods from other cultures to be experienced and embraced. 

Comfort foods are increasingly gaining popularity with the younger generation, partly because life has recently moved at a high speed and is consequently stressful. Comfort foods are used as a means of relaxation and reconnecting with one’s roots. This trend was boosted further by the COVID-19 pandemic, with people seeking comfort during the lockdown through cooking and baking at home. Preparing and consuming comfort foods was a therapeutic activity that comforted them and provided a sense of normalcy during those unsure times. 

The food industry has become invested in the demand by offering all manners of comfort foods. From ready made meals to gourmet versions of traditional dishes, there is no lack of choice for those craving warmth and satisfaction from comfort foods. Restaurants and food delivery services also revised their menus to offer comfort foods that allow people to enjoy their favorite dishes without the hassles of cooking. 

Comfort foods are those that bring positive emotions in an individual, bringing about feelings of comfort and security. They hold a dear place in U.S. culture for being a nostalgic connection with personal and collective history. They often remind people of family gatherings, celebration, and tradition and provide a sense of belonging or emotional comfort during times of stress. Macaroni and cheese, fried chicken, and apple pie are dishes but also symbols of warmth, love, and simple pleasures in life. These are comfort foods that offer refuge in a world moving at fast speed, reminding every individual of the roots and the common experiences that define American life. Ultimately, comfort food nurtures not just the body but the spirit, reinforcing the idea that food can be an expression of identity and community.  

People gain comfort foods for an abundance of reasons. Erikah Buff, a senior at Ponte Vedra High School, states that her comfort food is Mexican food “because of its rich flavors and nutritious dishes that are available in all different styles, but with the same ingredients, which makes it taste really good and you can customize it the way you wish.” Catherine Cullinan, a junior at PVHS, says her comfort food is her mom’s rice casserole because, “she makes it really good and its one of my favorite things she makes. Jacob Kesilewski, a junior at PVHS, commented that his comfort food was pizza because he can always rely on it to be consistent and good. Kate Hurford, a freshman at PVHS, explained her comfort food was mac and cheese mainly because she ate it a lot when she was younger. Similar to Kate, Brooke Reed, a junior at PVHS, states her comfort food is Kraft Mac & Cheese because of the nostalgic feeling it brings. Natasha Deutch, a sophomore at PVHS, replied that pasta is her comfort food “because it tastes really good and it’s easy to make.” Diangeli Garcia-Ortiz, a sophomore at PVHS, says that sushi is her comfort food because whenever she is feeling sad it makes her happy. Keaton Fannin, a sophomore at PVHS, explained how apples are his comfort food because they help him to hit good during golf tournaments.  

For most people, eating is enjoyable because it triggers the release of endorphins when we choose certain foods. This pleasure can lead to dependence, aversion, or even anxiety surrounding food choices. Our emotional and behavioral responses to food are shaped by our past experiences and the context in which we find ourselves. These responses are motivated by underlying factors that guide our decisions.  

Research suggests that using cognitive strategies to change behavior is often more effective than other methods. This is largely because successful behavioral systems are influenced by long-term expectations. Therefore, understanding the brain mechanisms behind positive learning experiences should be a key focus in developing broader theories about how our minds function. This area of study is gaining increasing attention and support. 

Pictured: Luke Felsing eating his comfort food