The Hand That Feeds You: Food Not Bombs

By becoming vegetarians, many people assume that they have already made a significant impact on the world community. However, sometimes it helps to take a step back and make an effort to help those in need. In order for change to occur, one must make a determined attempt to initiate it, assume responsibility for social problems, and place a higher value on human life than on material possessions. These are just some of the basic principles guiding Food Not Bombs (FNB), a growing movement in the United States today.

Food Not Bombs was organized in Massachusetts in the early 1980s by a group of anti-nuclear activists. The basic idea is a simple one: each chapter collects food that would otherwise be thrown out from restaurants, food co-ops, and grocery and natural health foods stores. They then make fresh vegetarian, usually vegan, meals that are served in public spaces (often parks, but in some cases servings will be given in more high profile locations, such as the Civic Center in San Francisco) to homeless people, though anyone can participate and partake. The organization chose vegetarian food for many reasons, but mainly because the chance of spoilage is greatly reduced. The choice also works as a creative tool to teach people in the community about the benefits of a vegetarian diet. “I was drawn to the organization because it creates a non-hierarchical setting where people from all walks of life can come and eat together, enjoy each other’s company, and discuss the issues that are important to them,” says Daniel Kerr, a member of the Cleveland chapter.

However, the organization has, in the past few years, met with opposition from local authorities. According to Keith McHenry, one of FNB’s founders, bureaucratic systems generally oppose organizations like Food Not Bombs because, “If you can see the poor and the homeless, it proves that the economic order is failing.” To counter, the government’s position is that many programs designed to clean up the homeless problem are a response to a decrease in tourism. “As we move forward . . . we want to ensure that everyone knows our intention to keep our streets safe for our citizens,” Cleveland Mayor Michael R. White announced in 1999.

So why can’t the homeless just go to a soup kitchen? While soup kitchens do provide a valuable service to the homeless, they are often crowded and run out of space quickly. FNB holds an advantage over soup kitchens since they serve food outdoors where it is likely there will be a lack of space. Consider this: according to a recent study conducted by the US Conference of Mayors, in the year 2000 there was an average 17% increase in demand for emergency food across the United States. Consider also that on average 13% of all requests for emergency food assistance went unmet during 2000. Over the past 15 years, there have been consistent increases in unmet demands for emergency provisions. By feeding the homeless in the places they choose, FNB is trying to relieve some of that demand.

How does one get involved? A fundraiser or donation to your local chapter is a good start. However, information about existing chapters is sketchy at best, and in researching FNB, you may find many online links that no longer work. Don’t be discouraged, though. Search around for flyers and ask people at natural foods stores and vegetarian restaurants if they have any information. If you’re feeling particularly ambitious, try to form your own chapter. Regardless of what you do, seek out people in your community who have a similar interest in helping. Also, if you do decide to help serve with FNB, don’t be surprised if you hear a few complaints at first. “Of course we have heard, ‘where’s the meat? I don’t want to eat this toe food’ (tofu),” says Daniel Kerr, “but that criticism doesn’t really come about too often anymore.”

Starting a FNB chapter or even joining one can be very rewarding. “Commit for the long haul,” says Kerr. “Make a concerted effort to sit down, eat and talk to the people who do not cook the food, but come to share it with you. It is not always glamorous work, but it is work that is important to build community and break down the boundaries that separate us.”

For more information on Food Not Bombs, send inquiries to: A Food Not Bombs Menu, PO Box 744, Tucson, AZ, 85702-0744, or phone them at (800) 884-1136. You can also order the Food Not Bombs Handbook here, or contact your local chapter for more information.

Jeff wrote this article while doing an internship with The Vegetarian Resource Group. He is presently a graduate student at American University in Washington, DC.