Food Not Bombs

Food Not Bombs is a loose-knit group of independent collectives, sharing free vegan and vegetarian food with others. The group protests war and poverty by recovering food that would otherwise be discarded and distributing it in public places to draw attention to the issues of food waste and hunger.

History

Food Not Bombs was founded in 1980 in Cambridge, Massachusetts by anti-nuclear activists. The first event involved serving free food at a protest against the Seabrook Station Nuclear Power Plant. The movement quickly spread to other cities in the United States and around the world.

Philosophy

The philosophy of Food Not Bombs is based on the principles of nonviolence, direct action, and consensus decision-making. The group believes that food is a human right and that society should prioritize feeding people over military spending. They also emphasize the importance of community building and mutual aid.

Activities

Food Not Bombs groups typically collect surplus food from grocery stores, bakeries, and other food establishments. They then prepare and serve meals in public spaces, such as parks or community centers. The meals are always free and open to anyone, regardless of their circumstances.

Structure

Food Not Bombs operates without a central leadership or formal hierarchy. Each local chapter is autonomous and makes decisions through consensus. This decentralized structure allows for flexibility and adaptability in addressing the specific needs of each community.

Criticism and Challenges

Food Not Bombs has faced criticism and challenges, including legal issues related to food safety regulations and permits for public gatherings. Some cities have attempted to shut down Food Not Bombs events, citing concerns about health and safety. However, the group continues to advocate for the right to share food and protest against social injustices.

See also

• Anarchism
• Mutual aid
• Direct action
• Community building
• Food waste
• Hunger