Can I Play with my Food?

The Field Trip Newsletter #43

Hello! Welcome to this week’s Field Trip newsletter, a Q and A with Memphis-based food scientist, consultant, and author Ali Manning. She’s here to tell us more about her new book, her life as a food scientist, share her favorite Memphis spots, and more. Thanks for being here, Ali!

Jump below for the interview and find out ways to buy Ali’s new book. - Erin

- Please tell the readers about yourself.

I didn’t know what food science was early on (I was a Bio-Pre Med major), but a lecture changed the course of my life. The professor said, “You’ll always have a job because people have always got to eat.”And sure enough, I began working in the food industry as a food chemist after graduation and then moved into a food scientist role, working in the sector [nearly ten years] on products for national brands like McDonald’s, Dunkin’ Donuts, Chipotle, etc.

I received my degree in Food Science & Technology from Alabama A&M University in Huntsville, AL (my hometown). Upon graduating, I fell in love with the city and people. When I met my husband, I decided that this was the place to establish roots within the community, not just the food industry.

- Congratulations on your first picture book! How did you decide to write Can I Play with my Food?

The book began as a passion project. I was an artist as a child, and throughout my career, I had forgotten all the things I loved to do (skating, drawing, poetry). So as the story flowed from me, I was inspired to create a character loosely based on my sister Alexis, who has Down’s Syndrome (the character Lexi formed). I also used to tell people I “played with food for a living,” so I thought the title was perfect because what better way to learn than with play.

- What is the more rewarding part of being a food scientist? 

The most rewarding part of my job has been to see my clients (like Thistle & Bee and Pop’s Kernels) thrive in the industry and break down barriers. In addition to that, I’ve always said my goal was to do meaningful work, and my Food Science 4 Kids program is the definition of that. When students (from the inner city and beyond) are exposed and have access to this material, they often have “ah-ha” or lightbulb moments about how food science is applied day-to-day. Those moments are gratifying and reaffirm the significance of my work.

- How do you adapt food science to your work? 

Food science is applied in every aspect of my work.

- How does your work in science and the food industry guide you in all of your non-profit work throughout Memphis? Can you also talk a little about the non-profit work you do, as the list seems long? 

As the Program Consultant for Project Green Fork (a program within the Clean Memphis), I find my interests intertwining. My role with PGF requires me to work directly with restaurant owners to support the implementation of sustainable food, energy, and waste practices within their businesses. Memphis is on the path to becoming a greener city. Hence, I’m glad to be a part of an organization whose mission aligns with my passion for community, access, and education.

- What foods did you enjoy playing with as a child? And now? 

Great question. I grew up in Alabama with access to fruit trees, vines (scuppernong), and bountiful gardens. I knew the significance of growing my food, so my favorite thing would be to sit in my red wagon and eat ripe tomatoes with salt and pepper in the summertime. Now, I find myself playing in the dirt and the kitchen. Every season I tend to my urban garden and grow herbs and vegetables. Culinary arts is an excellent example of creating recipes, implementing food science, and playing with food (through discovering ingredients, flavors, and culture).

- I’d love to hear more about the classes you teach to kids. How do you plan those, and what do they include?

FS4Kids was birthed during the pandemic (April 2020) to fill a gap in virtual activities for little ones. During that time, I taught food science education and activities to over 100-grade school children throughout the nation. Over the last two years, the program has grown tremendously with partnerships with the Botanic Gardens, Knowledge Quest, Delta School, and STAR Academy. In addition to that, I’ve partnered with my friends at Cornell University to create lessons and activities that provide students with a broad level of knowledge and hands-on experience.

- What does your food consultation entail? 

Umami Food Consulting is a consultancy I created in 2020 for food entrepreneurs. I recognized a need for support in the food space (especially with businesses of color), so I decided to utilize my background to help food entrepreneurs. I assist clients with product development, nutritional analysis, regulatory standards, food costing, and more. Many of my clients are local and throughout the US like; Slim & Husky’s, Good Citizen Coffee, and City Tasting Box.

- Does food still surprise you when you are experimenting with it? If so, how does it do so? 

Sure it does. Troubleshooting has been a foundational part of my career, whether in the classroom, kitchen, or lab. There’s always something new to learn and discover. 

- I know that your book is just coming out, but did you enjoy the process, and would you like to keep writing books for children? 

This book began as a hobby, turned into a passion project, and is officially published. I’ve enjoyed every step of the process because I enjoy learning and creating. In addition, something is compelling about the vulnerability it takes to write a book. I was up for the challenge, and yes, I do think I’ll do it again.

- What trends are you excited about in the food culture? 

I’m excited about a move towards reusable and sustainable packaging in our culture. There has to be a shift from styrofoam and single-use plastic to more eco-friendly packaging; our planet depends on it.

- Since this is a travel newsletter, I’d love to hear more about your Memphis, Ali. What are your top five favorite spots to eat in Memphis? 

My top5 favorite places to eat at Soul Fish, TACOnganas, Salt & Soy, Porch & Parlor, and BBQ Shop.

- Top five not-to-miss things to do in Memphis? 

Whenever you come to Memphis, you can’t miss the festivals. March-May is insane for festivals and events, so there’s plenty to do for every interest.

- With Memphis being such a foodie town, are there any food festivals you never miss? 

I recommend Craft Food & Wine Festival, Memphis Dining Week, Soulful Food Truck Festival, Hot Wing Fest, and the newest being the Memphis Vegan Festival.

Follow the links to follow Ali on Instagram as well as support her by ordering her latest book, Can I Play with my Food?

Until next week!