Hispanic Heritage Month: How food embodies tradition, wellness and identity

How food embodies tradition, wellness and identity in Hispanic culture

Latin cuisine is world-renowned for its vibrant flavors, rich history and deep connection to cultural traditions. For Hispanic communities, food is more than just nourishment—it's a language of love, an expression of identity and a powerful tool for fostering community.

“Food is love. It’s much more than just the bites we take,” said Emily Brantley, registered dietitian and nutritionist at AdventHealth Orlando. “On one level, food provides the nutrients our bodies need, but it’s also deeply tied to our culture and emotions. Think about it – when we gather with the people we love, what do we do? We eat.”

The act of preparing and sharing food goes beyond simply feeding the body; it is a way of showing care, welcoming others and creating lasting memories. This connection between food and culture manifests itself in every major celebration, from holidays and birthdays to anniversaries, graduations, and other milestones, where families, extended relatives and friends gather to participate in a vast array of dishes that reflect their shared heritage.

But beyond its cultural significance, food in Hispanic communities is also viewed as a form of medicine. Traditional Latin American diets are rich in nutrient-dense foods like beans, corn, vegetables, fruits and herbs, many of which have been used for centuries to promote health and well-being. In many households, knowledge of the healing properties of certain ingredients is passed down alongside recipes.

For Brantley, teaching culinary medicine to her patients is a joy.

“The first thing to know about culinary medicine is that we are not opposed to medicine. We are believers in medicine. But we try to teach concepts and empower our patients to feel confident in the decision they make around food. So that the food can nourish their bodies and support their medication regiment rather than working against it,” Brantley said.

In addition to teaching her patients about healthy lifestyle changes to their diet, Brantley draws on Hispanic culture, bringing additional flavors to each bite.

“As people, Hispanics are vibrant and diverse, coming from various backgrounds. While we might share the same names for different [foods], each comes with its own unique flavor and history. It’s important not to focus on what separates us, but on what unites us,” she said. “And food plays a key role in that.”

AdventHealth Team Members Express Their Love via Food

In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, several AdventHealth team members shared how they express their love via food to patients, colleagues and visitors.

“Translating the spirit of family and community into preparing food for patients in a hospital setting means creating meals that are not only nutritious but also comforting and familiar. I focus on incorporating traditional Hispanic ingredients and flavors to evoke a sense of home. Involving team members, coworkers and even patients in the meal selection process ensures that the options reflect their cultural preferences, which can make a significant difference. Sharing the stories behind the dishes and fostering a communal atmosphere in the dining area can also help patients, visitors and family members feel more connected and supported during their stay.”

- Hernan Gustavo Vasconez, senior manager of nutritional services AdventHealth East Orlando

"I'm proud of my heritage, even though I didn't grow up speaking Spanish. As an adult, I saw the need in my career to help Spanish speakers, so I learned the language later in life. I wanted to give back to the community that raised me, the community that is such an essential part of who I am. Food is love, and I love expressing that love through food and nutrition."

- Emily Brantley, registered dietitian and nutritionist at AdventHealth Orlando

"As I train my team members, I emphasize this foundational belief: ‘You, as the cook, must infuse soul into every recipe.’ Take pride in what you do. Each tray you prepare should be a nourishing gift, making every bite feel like it could be their last meal — filled with love and healing from the first tray to the last."

- Hamlet Herrera, sous-chef at AdventHealth Kissimmee

“I was born and raised in Puerto Rico, a small island in the Caribbean where we celebrate many events with food. During my childhood I was blessed to participate with my parents, grandmothers and other family members cooking in the kitchen so we could join as a family, spend time together and share delicious meals. Sitting at the table to enjoy meals with family is one of the beautiful traditions in our culture. Our Latin backgrounds make our food rich in flavors which is something that I love to share when I see my patients. Let’s continue celebrating our traditions with love and delicious flavors!”

- Sheila Flores, dietitian at AdventHealth Celebration