Welcome to The Fork Front
We bring the past to life through food. On this webpage, you can explore food history in our blogs, vlogs, and podcasts. We also offer curated, personal food narratives and historical menus for special events.
Recent Press:
The Delicious Legacy Podcast – Thoma Ntinas
Spam – A Global History: Interview with Dr Kelly Spring
The Avid Reader Show – Wellington Square Bookshop
The History of SPAM with Kelly A. Spring
New Book Network – Miranda Melcher
Kelly A. Spring, “SPAM: A Global History” (Reaktion, 2025) – New Books Network
Upcoming Talks:
October 19 – Culinary Historians of Ann Arbor, “Myths of SPAM”, 4-5:30pm US ET, Program Schedule | Culinary Historians of Ann Arbor
October 23 – Institute of Historical Research Food History Seminar – In conversation with Brandi Simpson Miller discussing SPAM: A Global History, 12:30-1:30pm US ET, Food History | Institute of Historical Research
SPAM:
A Global History
Out Now!
Release Dates:
Reaktion Press – UK, June 2025
University of Chicago Press – US, August 2025
SPAM: A Global History, Spring
This book explores SPAM’s complex history, from its inception to its resurgence during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting its enduring legacy in places like Hawaii, Guam, the Philippines, Okinawa and South Korea.
-
SPAM in Hawaii
Hawaii is, for many reasons, one of the most interesting places to visit in the United States. Its location as well as its history, culture and heritage set it apart from the mainland and make it a truly wonderful place to explore. In addition to the welcoming spirit of the people, fabulous landscape and excellent…
-
Pumpkin Spice
Love it or hate it, pumpkin spice season is upon us in the United States. But it has been loved (or hated) longer than many realize. Indeed, Starbucks, which trots out its Pumpkin Spice Latte earlier each year, did not invent or even spread pumpkin spice throughout the U.S. and beyond. Rather, pumpkin spice, and…
-
Personal Points, Lend-Lease, and SPAM
The advent of World War II required a whole-of-society approach dedicated to the war effort, which had not before been witnessed in human history. In order to supply the military, home fronts around the globe needed to save, scrimp and sacrifice to fulfill the demands of the war machine. This was particularly true when it…
Weekly Rations
Videos exploring the varied realm of wartime food and consumption practices.
Weekly Rations – Homemade Sausage Patties
The Hungry Historians Podcast
The Hungry Historians podcast has arrived!
Listen to our introductory podcast here: An Introduction to The Hungry Historians – Hungry Historians | Podcast on Spotify
A podcast series about the latest food history research
Current Podcast Episode: Kelly A. Spring, SPAM: The Global History
The Fork Front Shop
Bespoke menus for events
On the Menu
Are you hosting an event and need a food-related theme? How about a uniquely researched and curated menu for your event, allowing you and your guests to catch a glimmer of a bygone era through a unique culinary adventure.
Subscribe to The Fork Front Newsletter
Explore exceptional consulting services tailored to meet the unique needs of your business. Benefit from our industry expertise and innovative strategies to drive growth and success.
