Meet Sarah Marshall

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Marshall. 

Hi Sarah, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I started Marshall Munchies as a labor of love— to offer soulful home-cooked meals and healthy, affordable options while supporting my community around me. Growing up I loved all the Southern dishes my mama would make; I’d always be in awe at her ability to feed the masses despite how much or how little we had. Food has always been a source of kinship and a way of showing love. I believe that care is directly translated in the foods we eat. 

I love to cook for those around me and I was overwhelmed by the number of people that enjoyed my dishes and wanted to try more! That inspired me to post and I quickly began filling orders and offering 1-2 different dishes every other week. In 2020 when the pandemic hit, I leaned into cooking as a source of comfort and used my Marshall Munchies page as a way to share and connect with others. The food I make is often a reflection of my rural ENC roots, the places I’ve traveled, and folks I’ve met along the way. 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
When I created Marshall Munchies, I wanted to provide an alternative to fast food. Growing up in a food desert I know what it’s like to have a lack of access to fresh foods. I lived my entire life overweight as a result of my own poor relationship with food and unhealthy eating habits. It wasn’t until I spent a summer studying abroad in Iceland and teaching in Hawai’i that my perception of food changed drastically. I had a newfound appreciation for where my food was sourced and I was taken on a physical, spiritual and emotional journey that redefined how I viewed the world as well as what I put in my body. These experiences have shaped me as a person and contribute to why I make a conscious effort to buy local and source sustainable ingredients when I can. I take pride in offering healthy dishes at an affordable price for those who may be searching for meal prep options or want to try something new. 

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m an activist and anti-racist educator passionate about equity and holistic healing. I work in early education and in my free time, I love to cook and bake. I also spend a lot of time thinking about race and how trauma is stored in the body. Knowing this, it feels important to use food not only as a tool to help our health but one that could also restore our spirit. 

Food has the power to heal us physically, but it also tells a story of who we are, where we’re from, and gives us a chance to connect. Memories of my parent’s garden, mulberries, pecan trees, and muscadine grapes remind me of home, ground me, and help me appreciate how much the land already has to offer. Being able to uplift and celebrate my rural ENC roots when I cook is a form of healing for me. Being able to feed folks, pass on knowledge of my culture and others is communal healing. Who knew food could be so deep? 

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I love how I’ve seen so many places downtown amplify the work of local artists. 

I dislike the dress code and other barriers upheld in places in downtown Raleigh to deter patrons of color. While I can understand some may want to provide a different experience, too many establishments have abused this “dress code” and use it as a way to discriminate. 

Contact Info:

• Email: marshallmunchies@gmail.com
• Instagram: @marshallmunchies