Food Not Bombs
by Manda Gryba
Food Not Bombs is a radical ideology,
and one that members of the
Nanaimo community are striving to
share. The name says it all—if governments
and corporations around
the world spent as much time and
energy on feeding people as they do
on war, no one would go hungry. In
a world of abundance, how is it that
so many people go hungry?
On Apr. 14, Food Not Bombs
will be serving a free meal to any and
all who are hungry. The idea arose
when a few individuals started reading
about Food Not Bombs in other
cities, and held a potluck to discuss
how the community felt they could
become involved to bring awareness
to these issues. By sharing food, they
hope to start a revolution, which
advocates peace and freedom, and
places people before profits.
While it is often considered controversial,
Food Not Bombs believes
that there is enough food in the
world to feed everyone, but so much
of this goes to waste needlessly as a
direct result of greed and militarism.
Because of this, Food Not Bombs
strives to use the surplus to feed
the public, cooking meals from leftovers
and foods casted away by grocery
stores and bakeries. All meals
are also strictly vegetarian, not only
promoting non-violence between
people, but also in diet.
The group is hoping to grow, and
serve meals on a regular basis. “I truly
believe that there is enough food to
go around and that in Nanaimo there
is a great need for accessible meals,
not only for those who are visibly
homeless, but the large percentage
of the population that often face the
challenge of making ends meet. Poverty
is a form of violence and food
should be a right, not a privilege,”
says one Food Not Bombs member.
On Apr. 14, Food Not Bombs will
be held on Terminal Ave. between
Esplanade St. and Gordon St. at the
Fountain at 3 p.m. until the food is
gone.
For more information, visit www.foodnotbombs.net