Each May, Asian Pacific American Heritage Month honors Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders by paying tribute to the generations for their contributions to American history, society, and culture. The celebration originated in 1978 when Congress passed a joint Congressional Resolution to celebrate Asian American Heritage Week, which was held during the first 10 days of May. (sources: CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion, #Library of Congress – Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month!)
This year, for Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, we asked our employees to share their thoughts on their food, culture, and traditions.
User Experience Designer, 3 years of incredible service
“Foods are such a big part of the culture in my country, Malaysia. I adore the varieties that all the cuisines offer. One could have the typical Hainanese breakfast with Milo (the national drink!), soft-boiled eggs, and charcoal toast slathered with yummy kaya jam; the national dish Nasi Lemak for lunch; and the herbal Bak Kut Teh for dinner! With my Hakka heritage, my favorite food is the Hakka Thunder Tea rice. I have also missed all the tropical fruits that the land has blessed us with. My favorite is jambu.”
Receiving Team Leader, 4 years of incredible service
“Our family would have dim sum almost every Sunday. Dim sum is a traditional Chinese style meal which consists of steamed buns, fried dumplings, noodles, and sweet desserts. These dishes are meant to be shared around the table with family and friends. My aunts, uncles, and cousins would all gather together to eat and drink. This tradition gave me the opportunity to catch up with family members that I have not seen in a while.”
Divisional Merchandiser, 15 years of incredible service
“There has been a bigger emphasis on showing different cultures through food. For example, the beginning of the year, we had a focus on Asian and Indian Foods. Last year in Downingtown, they had a celebration for Diwali (Indian Version of Christmas). I spoke to the leadership group about ideas to incorporate for this event. Lastly, I have to say, over in Frozen Foods, we have embraced new Indian Dinners/Samosas, as well. One of my personal favorites is Charlie’s Chicken Curry in the meat dept.”
Workforce Systems Administrator, 12 years of incredible service
“Chicken or Pork Adobo (base recipe vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, bay leaves, and black pepper) is our unofficial national dish. It is present for special events and can commonly be found in restaurants and street eateries. This dish also has a variety of recipes depending on the province in the Philippines; some varieties include pineapple chunks, black soybeans or boiled quail eggs. During my first year in the U.S., I served this meal to my spouse every Monday for dinner.”
Pharmacy Area Manager, 10 years of incredible service
“My family occasionally cooks traditional Vietnamese dishes at home. Some of my favorites include Bo Kho and Pho. Cooking these dishes is an all-day affair. Smelling the flavors in the air all day long and then sitting down at dinnertime to eat as a family is definitely a strong memory. We come together to spend time with each other while savoring the aroma and flavors of the dish.”
Front End Cashier, 2 years of incredible service
“Growing up, the one dish that comes to mind is lumpia. It’s basically a Philippine eggroll. My dad would make it from time to time growing up so every time I eat it I think of him.”
Wegmans is proud to support Asian Pacific American owned and founded businesses.
Andy Rah is the founder of Sauce Beauty, haircare products inspired by iconic recipes from kitchens around the globe. Sauce Beauty crafts formulas with proven ingredients and fragrances you’ll love. We care about what we put into our bodies, so why should we not feel the same about what we put in our hair?
Madeline Haydon, a lactose-intolerant mom of two, had a hunch that consumers wanted more choices for their morning cup of coffee than sugar-laden dairy creamers, so she set out to create one herself. The result is nutpods, the zero-sugar line of almond-coconut or oat-based creamers and barista oatmilks.
Rebecca Brady, originally from New Zealand and busy mom of three, is the founder of Top Seedz. For years, Rebecca made seed crackers and roasted seeds at home and thought, “Why not share these snacks with the rest of the world?”—and that’s how Top Seedz was born. Their delicious products are hand-made with simple, organic ingredients and perfect to enjoy with your favorite dips and cheeses.