Free Food Ukiah Video
Our weekly Free Food Ukiah meal in Northern California, transforming the outdoor area of the Building Bridges homeless shelter into a sit-down restaurant for residents and local community.
Attitude of Addiction
During this past year-and-a-half of volunteering with Free Food Harlem, I had the opportunity to focus the impetus of my addictive and rebellious nature into cooking community meals, teaching kitchen skills training, facilitating AOS classes, and writing. Instead of seeking immediate relief through self-soothing addictive behaviors and destructive pursuits, I got more of me.
The Free Food Harlem Side of Penitence
When I was younger, I didn’t realize what I was asking for was to be meeked, to find a place for the wildness I felt and not be broken of it. The Exodus and Housing Works Transition program participants are also looking for a place to put their wildness that doesn’t cause harm.
Alchemy
As the chef for a nonprofit that relies entirely on volunteers, I’ve had to learn how to motivate and inspire others instead of resorting to the harsh and intimidating treatment I received as a young and eager cook.
The Changing Face of Free Food Harlem
We’ve shifted from a group of people making food for the local underserved community, to a group that is the community.
Harlem Shuffle
To say this place is a melting pot is not only an understatement, it’s a lie. Harlem is the unapologetic deep cauldron of Black culture in America.
Circulating Love
From the outside, it could seem like putting together meals is simply a good deed — an event that good people do with their extra time. But for me, I experience it as an act of self-serving generosity.
The Eight-Hour Bolognese
My adult sons don’t need me as they once did, and yet the creative energy still seeks for a channel, so I am grateful to our repeat guests, who come back week after week, to help bring the overflow to a healthy balance.
Happy Fridays in Harlem
Rachael handed me one of her cards and warmly invited me to come for a meal on Friday. I did so and was absolutely amazed to see the sheer dedication, love, and gentle handling of the many hungry people crowding the long tables, eagerly waiting to be fed.
Free Food L.A.: New City, Same Ethos
The respect and love are mutual and the intimacy shared boundless. Free Food L.A. is what provides me with a new breath every week.
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