Repast

Dictionary definition: Repast is a meal or the food eaten or provided at a meal. Today, a repast is more known as the meal that is served post funeral to the grieving family. In the Afro-American community, the repast is usually provided by the church, or friends and neighbors bring a special dish to the grieving family's home for consumption after the funeral. This provision of support is an acknowledgment that the family needs nourishment during their time of grief and a sign of emotional support.

Why would I bring up what might be percieved by many as a depressing event? Mainly because nourishment is necessary and feeding/eating is a means to healing.

For those of you who also follow my blog "Food Got to Love It", you may remember my "Ode To Johnnye Burrell". A climax to her celebration of life was a repast held in the church hall. The menu consisited of typical "soul food" entrees often associated with "Afro-American" celebrations and holidays. Fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, cabbage, green beans, black eyed peas, rice, ground beef and spaghetti, corn bread, green salad and red punch.
Life celebrations always lead to food.