Kate Meeks: Theology & Food Justice

  1. Student spotlight: A second chance at seminary
  2. Student spotlight: Pay attention to the “bread crumbs”
  3. Student spotlight: Relationship leads to Union
  4. Student spotlight: The twisting path to seminary
  5. Student spotlight: Longtime educator yearns to learn more
  6. Student Spotlight: Dana Purdom digs deep
  7. Alec Powell: The Unconventional Call
  8. Kate Meeks: Theology & Food Justice
  9. Nancy Myer: Lifelong learning
  10. Senator Scott: Finding community and connection
  11. Colleen Earp: Camping, conservation, and chickens
  12. In “Reference” to Paula Skreslet
  13. Paul Smith: From police officer to pastor
  14. Heather Woodworth Brannon advocates for housing justice in Richmond

Student Spotlight

BY MOLLIE TRAINUM

Is there a theological element to food? Does spirituality matter in environmental matters? New Master of Divinity student Kate Meeks believes these concepts are all interconnected.

Meeks graduated from Davidson College last spring, where she played field hockey and majored in anthropology with a concentration in environmental studies. After freshman year, Meeks interned with the chaplain’s office, working for a homeless day resource center in Charlotte, North Carolina. This environment, in which Meeks engaged with scripture and theology, initiated her journey towards seminary.

“I knew that focusing on social justice work was where I found joy, but also felt something missing when I wasn’t also acknowledging the environment, specifically food justice,” Meeks says.

When Meeks learned of Union’s partnership with Shalom Farms, a local non-profit working toward providing fresh produce at a discounted price to low income and low access areas, she says she knew she had found her home.

“The close relationship I see between food, theology, and justice has made seminary an easy transition for me to make,” says Meeks. Her internship with Shalom Farms has helped Meeks envision a future career in food justice work.

Although some may struggle to see why a seminary education would be beneficial to a food justice advocate, Meeks believes that food justice is simply an application of her theological education. “I get to connect with people on a fundamental level we can all relate to — food!”

According to Meeks, “often times ministry doesn’t have to look like the traditional pastor of the church, and that’s okay.” She advises future seminarians “to not be scared of your passion. Find the gifts that God has given you and serve others while serving yourself.”

Top photo: Kate Meeks harvests peppers at the Shalom Farms Westwood site across from the Richmond campus.