Interview no. 1795

Interviewee

Robert Flores

Interviewer

Joshua I. Lopez

Project

El Paso Food Voices -- Private Kitchens

Summary of Interview

Robert Flores grew up in the lower valley neighborhoods closest to Bel Air High School. As a child, Robert remembers that his grandparents often cared for him, particularly his grandfather, who would take care of him after school. Many of the lessons he learned from his grandparents came to inform his values. For example, during his interview, Robert shares a story from family lore about his grandmother. According to his family's telling of the story, his grandmother was known for sharing food with her neighbors and church community. One neighbor in particular often looked at Robert's grandmother with suspicion. However, when that neighbor's husband became terminally ill, and Robert's grandmother began bringing food over, the two connected. From this story, Robert has learned to value the power food has in forging relationships. During his teen years, and influenced by his family upbringing, Robert became involved at St. Pius X Catholic Parish, where he has continued to build community and serve in youth and young adult ministries. Throughout his story, he references his "church family," which is a close knit group of friends Robert has made through activities at St. Pius X. Finally, as an adult, Robert shares how he and his partner have learned to serve and care for one another in their division of labor and sharing of the cooking and cleaning. He concludes his interview by sharing his memory of the first Thanksgiving that he and his partner hosted for their families. Together, these stories illustrate how, through his many families, Robert has learned to value sharing and the care work that food performs and has performed throughout his life.

Date of Interview

6-24-2022

Length of Interview

21.28 minutes

Tape Number

no. 1795

Transcript Number

no. 1795

Terms of Use

Unrestricted

Comments

Joshua Lopez transcribed the Summary.

For information on obtaining a transcript of this interview, please contact The Institute for Oral History

Recommended Citation

Flores, Robert, "Interview no. 1795" (2022). Private Kitchens. 14.
https://scholarworks.utep.edu/ep_private/14