Savoring the Soul: Guidance Moon's Culinary Journey in Santa Barbara

Guidance Moon, a chef and SBCC culinary student, is on a mission to share the rich flavors and cultural significance of Soul Food with the Santa Barbara community. Through her work, she is not only nourishing bodies but also fostering a sense of community and empowerment.

Bringing the Warmth of Soul Food to Santa Barbara

Embracing the Essence of Soul Food

Guidance Moon's passion for Soul Food goes beyond the mere act of cooking; it's a deep-rooted connection to her cultural heritage and a desire to share it with others. "I feel like Soul Food has a feeling. It's more than just food. It's about spreading that love and community throughout," she explains, capturing the essence of this culinary tradition.As a chef and culinary student at SBCC, Moon has been actively seeking opportunities to showcase her skills and share the flavors of Soul Food with the Santa Barbara community. Her recent Soul Food Sunday event at the Unity Church of Santa Barbara was a testament to her commitment to this cause.

Overcoming Obstacles and Persevering

Despite the event being rescheduled a couple of times, Moon arrived at the event with a delectable spread of fried chicken, potato salad, collard greens, mac and cheese, and gumbo, ready to delight the eager crowd of community members. Her dedication and resilience in the face of challenges are a testament to her unwavering passion for her craft.Moon's culinary journey in Santa Barbara has not been without its personal challenges. Amidst her studies and culinary endeavors, she has been battling a genetic blood disorder and recovering from cervical cancer. Yet, her determination remains unshakable. "My struggle with chronic illness is not letting it stop me from doing the things I love and serving my community," she says with pride.

Empowering Chefs of Color and Fostering Diversity

Moon's time at SBCC has been a transformative experience, both in terms of her culinary education and her personal growth. She has been a vocal advocate for creating more opportunities for chefs of color to showcase their talents and share their cultural cuisines with the community."There's really not an avenue of growth for culinary in Santa Barbara where there's only one college program and that's at SBCC," Moon explains. Through her efforts, she has been pushing for more events that empower chefs of color and provide them with a platform to connect with the community.

Expanding Reach and Impact

Moon's culinary journey in Santa Barbara has taken many forms, from pop-ups on State Street to catering for events and organizations. Most notably, she is the Executive Chef of Momma's Soul Food Fusion, a venture that allows her to share her passion for Soul Food with a wider audience.In a significant milestone, Moon has also received the first Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operations (MEHKO) permit to cook from home, enabling her to expand her reach and make her delectable dishes available through platforms like DoorDash and UberEats.

Fostering Food Justice and Accessibility

Moon's commitment to her community extends beyond just cooking and serving delicious meals. She has recently received a 2024 Food Justice Microgrant Award from the Santa Barbara County Food Action Network for her Soul Food for All Project.Through this initiative, Moon aims to spread awareness and increase access to Soul Food. She plans to set up a Soul Food garden to provide people with the ingredients typically used in this culinary tradition. Additionally, she works closely with young chefs, especially those of color and those with disabilities, to mentor and empower them.

Celebrating the Resilience and Diversity of Soul Food

For Guidance Moon, cooking is not just a profession; it's a way of life, a "ministry" that allows her to connect with her cultural heritage and share it with others. She sees Soul Food as a powerful tool for fighting racism and bringing diversity into predominantly white spaces."Soul Food teaches us how to create something beautiful out of things that people throw away," Moon explains, highlighting the resilience and ingenuity inherent in this culinary tradition. The act of coming together, making, and enjoying good food is what fuels her enthusiasm and drives her to continue her culinary journey in Santa Barbara.As Moon puts it, "Santa Barbara is ready and hungry." With her unwavering dedication, culinary expertise, and passion for empowering her community, she is poised to leave an indelible mark on the local food landscape, one delicious bite at a time.