With Pots and Pens to Parliament: Understanding and Responding to Crises through a Critical Feminist Lens in Cape Town, South Africa

This original research article explores the urgent need for a critical feminist approach to food security in Cape Town, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The authors examine how systemic issues such as institutionalized racism, sexism, and economic inequality exacerbate food insecurity, disproportionately affecting women from marginalized communities. By focusing on community kitchens as vital hubs for support, the study highlights the significant roles women play in addressing hunger and fostering social cohesion. Through a collaborative research process involving community members, the authors emphasize the importance of destigmatizing hunger and recognizing the interconnectedness of food systems and social justice. This research advocates for systemic changes that empower women and enhance community-led initiatives in the fight against food insecurity.