Alex Darocy Photography

By combining social and environmental justice activism, nonviolent direct action, and a philosophy that emphasizes sharing over charity, Food Not Bombs has differentiated itself from other global organizations that distribute food to the hungry. These distinctions were especially evident at the organization's 35th anniversary gathering in Santa Cruz on May 24, where those needing nourishment were greeted with live music and an especially celebratory atmosphere, in addition to the free food, a free market, and a variety of other free services. Food Not Bombs is comprised of hundreds of autonomous, volunteer-supported chapters that share free vegetarian meals with the hungry around the globe. There are no leaders running Food Not Bombs; local groups use the consensus process. The organization first formed in response to the arrest of anti-nuclear activist Brian Feigenbaum at the May 24, 1980 occupation attempt of the Seabrook Nuclear Power Station. The original collective, comp...

On November 8, Santa Cruz Food Not Bombs shared food in solidarity with those who have been arrested this week for serving food in public in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Volunteers with Santa Cruz Food Not Bombs have been serving food continuously to the hungry and homeless at the same location, the Santa Cruz downtown post office, for several years now. An event announcement for the solidarity event stated, "No one should be arrested for helping the community. Sharing food is an unregulated act of compassion." Events have been held worldwide in support of those being arrested in Fort Lauderdale. Food Not Bombs co-founder Keith McHenry at the downtown post office in Santa Cruz. A new law that bans the sharing of food in public in Fort Lauderdale was officially approved on October 22 and went into effect on October 31. The measure requires feeding sites to be at least 500 feet away from each other, and 500 feet from residential properties. Additionally, sharing food in publ...

Today, on Christmas Day, Santa Cruz Food Not Bombs served a free vegan holiday meal to hundreds of community members outside of the downtown post office. The temperature was in the 70s, people played music, activists tabled, and the mood was celebratory. Food Not Bombs co-founder Keith McHenry helped organize the meal, and he reports that many of FNB groups across the country would be sharing vegan meals on Christmas this year in response to an increased need due to new cuts in food stamps and an extreme reduction of access to food during the holiday season.  McHenry awarded Santa Cruz volunteer Jeane the Five Carrot award for being one of the people dedicated to making sure the Saturday meal at the post office happens every week. The post office has been the regular location for Santa Cruz Food Not Bombs weekly servings for over a year now on Saturdays, and McHenry announced that they could be expanding to serve free meals on Sunday as well. McHenry encouraged everyone...

This year on May Day, the Santa Cruz community rallied at the Town Clock in support of immigration reform. Workers and community members joined individuals from the Monterey Bay Central Labor Council and other AFL-CIO affiliated organizations for the rally, which included a strong turnrout by Unite Here local 483, the labor union that represents hotel, restaurant, and other hospitality workers in Santa Cruz and the Monterey Bay Area. After rallying at the Town Clock, many in the group marched down Pacific Avenue to the Del Mar Theatre to view "Harvest of Empire" at the Reel Work May Day Labor Film Festival. Individuals held signs with messages such as "Citizenship Now," "I Work hard and Pay Taxes," "Keep Families Together," and "Citizenship, Because No Person is Second Class." The Santa Cruz County Community Coalition to Overcome Racism was also represented and food was provided in front of the Del Mar by Food Not Bombs Santa Cruz...