Ketchup in the Times of Stress: An Analysis of Dietary Resilience in the Philippines, WWII-Onward

Summary

This is an abstract from the "Material Aspects of Global Conflict" session, at the 90th annual meeting of the Society for American Archaeology.

Food shortages and rationing during World War II brought about substantial changes in the ways in which peoples accessed and innovated cuisine across the Philippines. Focusing on these innovations helps underscore the dynamic nature of native dietary customs as they become subject to external political influences and social stress. Employing resilience theory to investigate the impact of wartime stressors on dietary innovations and alterations from the pre-war period to the present day, this study explores the broader consequences of dietary shifts resulting from ecological disruptions and food shortages. Historical examples, such as the widespread occurrence of beriberi caused by a deficit in vitamin B complex associated with nutrient-deficient rice, demonstrated the significant consequences of colonial practices. The post-war emergence of cost-effective and conveniently portable food items such as Spam serves as a clear illustration of how external influences transformed local eating habits. By evaluating these historical and contemporary developments, the study provides insights into the durability and adaptation of Filipino food systems in the face of colonialism, conflict, and globalization. This study enhances our comprehension of dietary resilience, offering viable solutions for present and future food security issues.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Material Aspects of Global Conflict   •
• Society for American Archaeology 90th Annual Meeting, Denver, CO (2025)

Keywords

Record Identifiers

Abstract Id(s): 51905