Food writer and podcaster Debra Freeman has joined Style Weekly as the publication’s food editor.
Freeman, who joined Style Weekly on October 2, will lead its coverage of Richmond’s illustrious food and beverage scene, with an emphasis on the intersection of race, culture and food. She is the first African American editor to lead food coverage at a major Richmond outlet.
Freeman’s upbringing in Norfolk, Va. adds to her unique perspective that will shape the editorial direction of the section’s coverage. In her writing and as host of the award-winning podcast “Setting the Table,” Freeman has spent years exploring Black foodways throughout America, particularly in Virginia and the greater South.
“Style Weekly has been such an important part of the fabric of Richmond for so long, and I’m excited to shed light on an important cultural aspect of our communities,” said Freeman. “Virginia is the birthplace of many of our favorite ingredients and recipes. It’s important to tell those stories through a Virginia lens.”
“We couldn’t be more excited to have Deb join the team,” said Style Weekly General Manager Macaulay Hammond. “As we prepare to roll out our new brand redesign, including a new website, print editions and more, we knew we needed to prioritize increasing our food coverage, and Deb is the perfect person to lead that charge.”
Freeman has written for national outlets such as Eater, Conde´ Nast Traveler, Food52, Modern Farmer, The Local Palate, Plate Magazine, Epicurious, Garden and Gun, Pit Magazine, Gravy, Southern Grit Magazine and Gastro Obscura. She has also been a cultural commentator for BBC Radio.
In 2023, Freeman’s “Setting the Table” was a finalist for a Signal Award, won the Best Podcast Award from the International Association of Culinary Professionals (IACP) and was named one of the “Podcasts Apple Loved” by iTunes.
She was recently named an Amplifier by Black Women in Food, a Snailblazer by Slow Food USA and one of the Most Powerful Richmonders of 2022.