A literal translation of this proverb could be “Cooked food doesn’t have an owner.”

Haitian people like community life. They like to share what they have, especially when it comes to food. In some places, neighbors send food to each other every day or in special moments of the year like Christmas Eve, New Year's Eve, Easter, and when they have some kind of celebration in their house.

People feel uncomfortable when they cannot share their meal with somebody, especially a visitor, because of any kind of digestive restriction he/she might have. For some families, it’s a great offense for them to say no to their offer of food.

People say this proverb to show the importance of sharing food when it’s ready and someone is around or visiting. They also say it to warn young people on keeping the tradition and not being in contradiction with what society allows.