Albuquerque is excited to announce the reestablishment of the local Food Not Bombs chapter! The efforts made in prior years had a huge impact on our community, and a committed and passionate group of new volunteers are ready to plant fresh seeds, so as to sprout new social justice initiatives during a relevant time when there are many people in our city and state still in need. Albuquerque is in the midst of an ongoing struggle to meet the current needs and urgency of local homelessness. Furthermore, New Mexico is known as having one of the highest rates of poverty in the country – and we are often ranking in the number one spot. Children suffering from poverty and homelessness are some of the highest numbers statistically in our state. Intersectional activism can be a contentious subject of discussion, but the truth of the matter is that: 'every-One' and 'everything' matters! Single-issue advocacy, whether it be for social justice, human and/or animal rights, environmentalism, oppression in all its various forms, (I must say, with sadness and remorse) is inherently stifled by the inability to create common ground - to resonate with other citizens and community members legitimately concerned with our social and political climate, who are immediately faced with injustices and prejudice. There is a need for solidarity, finding a path to Universal justice and advocacy. Some of us are seeking this opportunity now... Food Not Bombs first started in 1980, with anti-nuclear activists in Cambridge, Massachusetts – an all-volunteer based movement dedicated to nonviolent social change. From their main website, it is stated: “Food Not Bombs has no formal leaders and strives to include everyone in its decision-making process. Each group recovers food that would otherwise be thrown out and makes fresh hot vegan and vegetarian meals that are served outside in public spaces to anyone without restriction. Many Food Not Bombs groups also share groceries and organize other efforts to support their communities. Each independent group also serves free meals at protests and other events”. There have been various circumstances when FNB has been actively involved in crisis relief, including incidents of natural disaster, not limited to the United States. “Food Not Bombs works in coalition with groups like Earth First!, The Leonard Peltier Defense Committee, Anarchist Black Cross, the IWW, Homes Not Jails, Anti-Racist Action, Farm Animal Rights Movement, In Defense of Animals, the Free Radio Movement and other organizations on the cutting edge of positive social change and resistance to the new global austerity program. Food Not Bombs is now preparing for the economic crash organizing Food Not Lawns community gardens, housing the homeless with Homes Not Jails, organizing additional meals each week while starting new Food Not Bombs chapters in as many communities as possible.” On December 15th, 2019, the owners, Stephanie and Francisco of Wanderlust Vegan Eatery here in Albuquerque hosted their first Holiday Party and Dinner for patrons of the community, and additionally provided a valuable platform to the new Abq chapter of Food Not Bombs with a donation drive and raffle. We acquired dozens of bags, full of non-perishable vegan food items as well as warm clothing and hygiene products intended for homeless community members and others in need. The event was ultimately a huge success and has allowed our group to confidently move forward with supplies and resources to reach as many people as we can.
'every-One' and 'everything' matters! NM Vegan | 13