Walking into Boston grocery stores these days, it’s hard not to notice what’s missing: the humble hog jowl, a cut of pork that’s the backbone of Hoppin’ John, a New Year’s Day tradition for many Black families. For generations, this dish has been more than just food—it’s a symbol of luck, survival, and freedom, rooted in the city’s African American history. But as neighborhoods change and longtime residents are pushed out, even the foods that tell our stories start to vanish from shelves. How do we keep our culture alive when the ingredients for our memories are harder to find? #Food #Boston #SoulFood