Cooking is a Right

How I'm Fighting for Food Justice in Low-Income Homes

My name is Shannon Dobbs, and I am a food justice advocate working to identify and eliminate systemic barriers to food insecurity. Food insecurity means not having enough food for an active, healthy life for all household members. It affects millions of people in the U.S., especially in low-income communities, where people often face multiple challenges to access healthy and affordable food.

I am no longer food insecure. I have a full kitchen in my home, and I'm grateful for that. But I know what it's like to struggle with disabilities and food insecurity, and I’m no stranger to fighting for my rights. I've spent most of my life overcoming my own unique challenges, and that's why I'm now fighting for the rights of others who face different, but equally solvable, barriers to eating healthy.

One of the biggest “invisible” barriers that I've encountered in my advocacy is the lack of cooking facilities in many weekly motels and other low-income residences. These are places that typically only provide a bar fridge and a microwave, and many don't let residents cook in their rooms. Landlords often say their policies are in place because of fire code or local ordinance, but that's simply not true.

I've spoken with fire marshals in different states, and they have uniformly told me there's nothing in the international fire code - or local ordinances based on it - that says you can't cook in your room. The only thing they want the public to know is to make sure you have enough power to the outlet you’re using and not to overload it, which is easy to do with a quick look at the specs of plug-in cooking devices like Instant Pots and air fryers.

Why does this matter? Because cooking is not only a basic human need, but also a source of joy, creativity, identity, and community. Cooking can help us improve our health, our well-being, and our self-esteem. Cooking can help us connect with our family, our friends, and our neighbors. Cooking can help us express ourselves, celebrate our culture, and honor our traditions.

But when we can't cook in our homes, we lose all of that. We have to eat whatever is available in the microwave, the freezer, or the nearest fast food joint. We have no choice but to spend our money on unhealthy, processed, and expensive food that makes us sick and fat. We have no control over what we eat, how we eat, or when we eat.

That's not fair. It’s not right. It is not acceptable.

When landlords hold power to kick us out of our homes it is critical that communities ensure that right is not abused. That's why I'm fighting for my right to cook, and for the right of all people who live in low-income homes. I'm fighting for a change in the system that allows landlords to ban cooking in families’ homes. I'm fighting for local laws to be passed in every city and town in the U.S., or for a national law to be passed, that stops landlords from imposing such restrictions on their tenants. I'm fighting for food security, health, and dignity for all.

I know that some landlords might be reluctant to change their policies, or might fear the consequences of allowing cooking. I understand their concerns, and I respect their role as property owners. But I also urge them to consider the benefits of allowing cooking, not only for their tenants, but also for themselves and for society as a whole. Cooking using safe and approved plug-in implements like slow cookers, instant pots and air fryers can reduce the risk of health problems, and increases the satisfaction, loyalty, and retention of the tenants.

And there are ways that landlords can help their tenants even more, beyond just allowing cooking. For example, they can ensure that sufficient power goes to the rooms to prevent overload simply by installing a dedicated 30 amp circuit with GCFI and a stable wall mounted shelf to place cookware on, as recommended by the fire department. This can make cooking safer and easier for the tenants, and avoid any potential electrical issues for the landlords.

Another option could be to create a shared cooking space with a seating area, where tenants can cook together, eat together, and socialize together. This can foster a sense of community, connection, and belonging among the tenants, and improve their mental and emotional health. It can also make the place more attractive, inviting, and lively, and increase the value and reputation of the property.

These are just some of the options that landlords who care can choose to help their tenants. They can show their support, their compassion, and their leadership, by making their places more conducive to cooking and to living. The decision should not be left to landlords however, because the reality is that far too often they don’t make the right choice when given the chance.

That's why I'm asking you to join me in my fight for our collective right to cook. I'm asking you to sign my petition, to contact your representatives, to spread the word, and to support my cause. I'm asking you to stand with me, to speak with me, and to act with me.

Together, we can end the lies, end the bans, and end the injustice. Together, we can make a real difference in our lives and our communities.

Shannon Dobbs

Sign my petition at: https://chng.it/kgZ5jtjbDf