Exploring food, belonging, and community through narrative with international students

Examining how food and storytelling can foster belonging, connection, and community among international students

Brooke Pratt and Suzanne Rintoul, Conestoga Social Innovation Lab

About the project

This mixed-methods research project explores the relationship between food, narrative arts, and community-building among international students at Conestoga. Conducted in partnership with the Kuwait Aid Network, the study combined surveys, community consultations, and writing-based engagement activities to better understand students’ experiences and perspectives.

The challenge

Many students face challenges building connections and finding a sense of belonging in a new environment. The project sought to understand how food-related experiences and storytelling could help strengthen community, support well-being, and create opportunities for meaningful engagement.

Approach

• Conducted a student survey and community consultations
• Hosted writing pop-up events focused on food, identity, and personal experiences
• Gathered qualitative and quantitative data from participants
• Explored the relationship between food, storytelling, and community-building
• Worked with a community partner to identify student-driven insights and recommendations

Results

• Demonstrated the important role food plays in fostering community and belonging
• Identified storytelling and narrative arts as effective tools for self-expression and connection
• Generated student-driven recommendations to support food-based community initiatives
• Produced research outputs to support knowledge sharing and community engagement
• Presented findings at the Canadian Association for the Study of Discourse and Writing conference

Why it matters

This research highlights the value of food and storytelling as tools for building stronger, more connected communities. The findings support:

• Greater understanding of student experiences and community needs
• New approaches to fostering belonging and well-being
• Community-based initiatives that encourage connection and engagement
• Research-informed discussions about inclusion and social justice
• Continued exploration of creative and participatory research methods

This project is part of the Conestoga Community-Engaged Writing Initiative.