Creating a just, compassionate world requires lots of different kinds of actions: raising money, transforming broken systems, educating others, changing our own destructive habits, passing legislation, and so on. Hacking at the roots, as Thoreau said, is essential to realizing lasting, positive change, but sometimes you just need to see the fruits of your labors immediately and with your own eyes. For 30 years, Food Not Bombs has been helping feed the hungry around the world, directly affecting the lives of millions (on Monday, they celebrated their 30th anniversary). According to their website, FNB “shares free vegan and vegetarian meals with the hungry in over 1,000 cities around the world every week to protest war, poverty and the destruction of the environment.”
Food Not Bombs is such an effective and relevant organization, because:
- They accomplish so much, while operating with almost no budget and an all-volunteer force. Their chapters are all autonomous.
- They understand the interconnectedness of issues like poverty, environmental protection, peace, food justice, consumerism, and health.
- They make use of the “unwanted” food from restaurants, groceries and other places, so that it feeds people instead of getting thrown away.
- Anyone can start a chapter; their website includes a handbook, graphics, and other useful resources.
- Anyone can volunteer and get instant gratification by helping someone in need.
~ Marsha
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The post Food Not Bombs: 30 Years of Feeding the Hungry appeared first on Institute for Humane Education.