Quantity Cooking
for Solidarity
Virtual Group Workshop
I came across a social media post a while back, talking about making an extra pot of food to support neighbors who may be struggling. I immediately thought, “This is a way I can help. Maybe with body doubling to actually Make The Thing, or as a teach-in to help people find and navigate the barriers that come up in their own community. This is a way I can help people do a small thing that makes a big difference.”
On a visit to a favorite local bookstore during a difficult and grief-filled summer, I picked up Feeding the Masses: A Guide to Vegan Mass Catering by the Anarchist Teapot Mobile Kitchen—and the spark to do this thing was rekindled.
I’m pleased to offer a Quantity Cooking for Solidarity virtual workshop as a way of supporting you in supporting your community. Dates will be scheduled based on interest. Invite your friends and co-conspirators to join!
As soon as we have interest from people in 4 different kitchens, we’ll find a time together and I’ll put out a public call for more folx to join. (Virtual group sizes of up to 20 screens can be accommodated).
$25 per participating screen, plus individual ingredient cost.
Have a private group of people already interested? Reach out to schedule a Group Adventure instead!
This virtual workshop supports individuals in preparing larger, manageable quantities of food to share with friends, neighbors, and strangers in community-building efforts. We take care of us, and together we can make nourishment more accessible for others facing food insecurity, on the frontlines of liberatory work, and having a rough day/week/month/year. Food is for everyone.
Show solidarity with quantity cooking
There are countless organizations and locations in every community that could benefit from prepared food donations, but every community is different!
These kinds of donations are a way to get to know your community and build connections!
Here are some ideas to get started (not an exhaustive list):
Free/Community Fridges – Be sure to leave fridges better than you find them, and follow any guidelines provided by organizers.
Homeless shelters, and other orgs supporting unhoused populations – Even if they can’t accept a home-prepared food donation, they may be able to direct you to a place where you can distribute foods to unhoused neighbors.
Community cafés that allow folx to eat without monetary exchange may not be able to accept your donation, but coordinating to feed people outside of the café’s usual hours may help you find people in need of the food you prepare.
Groups like Food Not Bombs (with chapters all over) may also know of places where food donations are vital.
Bringing food to a protest or other action is another way to support and connect with folx doing liberatory work.
Do you know someone with a meal train, or who is undergoing surgery soon?
Is there a mutual aid group on social media for your area that you could monitor for folx asking for food support?
If all else doesn’t work out, friends and neighbors can always use a meal without cooking.
Keep in mind that local and state laws may limit what donations can be accepted (especially at larger orgs), so it’s best to reach out and ask before attempting to donate.
Still have questions? Let’s chat!
Meet Your Host
Jex Calvert is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist based in Buffalo, NY. They started Food Focused Nutrition because they believe that health and connection happen in our kitchens—and they want to spend their life helping their community be well nourished. Learn more