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It is often said that food has the power to bring communities together, but for Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) people in the U.S., xenophobic attitudes can turn meals into a source of anxiety. Many have recalled the common childhood experience of being mocked for their cultural dishes.
Food delivery service Postmates is flipping this narrative with a celebration of dishes that were once the subject of disdain. The “School Lunch” program, which marks AAPI Heritage Month in May, is a collaboration with some of Los Angeles’ best AAPI chefs to make lunches inspired by those meals.
An ad for the program stars actress Greta Lee (Russian Doll, Past Lives). Appearing here in animated form, Lee explains that her family moved around frequently when she was a child, which led to an increased chance of being singled out for ridicule.
Bonding through lunch
Lee describes how she was mocked by classmates for the hand-packed lunches prepared by her mother, which comprised of Korean dishes such as mandoo, kongjorim, mumallaengi and myulchi. Although this pressure caused her to be upset and even throw her lunches away, Lee now expresses gratitude and love for her mother, noting that these meals were simply “her PB&J.”
Drawing inspiration from the lunches packed by Lee’s mom, Korean-American restaurant Yangban has created a Kimchi Pozole dish, with hominy and pork belly, that will be available exclusively through the Postmates app throughout May. The meal will be delivered in an exclusive lunchbox with a young, illustrated version of Lee on the front.
While the meal is only available in LA, fans nationwide are encouraged to visit Postmates’ social media accounts for more information on how to win an autographed lunchbox. This will be filled with Lee’s favorite snacks as well as a $500 Postmates credit.
Later this month, Postmates plans to launch another video and special lunchbox featuring Filipino influencer Bretman Rock.
In addition to the campaign, the brand is making a donation to the national coalition Stop AAPI Hate, which works to counteract discrimination against AAPI people.