For those of us who aren't the protesting sort, but are generally supportive of the Occupy Everything movement, it can be hard to know how best to show our solidarity. Well, if you're reading this blog, you probably love food, and we have an idea. We talked to some of the de facto leaders of the local Occupy movement and found that they're not just hungry for change, they're hungry for snacks!
5. Compostable plates and cutlery. While the occupiers seem to be pretty heroic, they're not actual Super Heroes who can turn their hands into knives and shit. Speaking of, they're also looking for chef knives, bread knives, serving utensils, disinfectant wipes, and ice chests. Basically, anything you'd need to cook and eat while camping they can use.
4. Warm drinks, especially at night when it's cold. Activist Rachel Zurer brought carafes of homemade hot chocolate to Occupy Denver, and was greeted like a wartime hero. She writes, "I'm not that good an activist, you know? But I made hot chocolate. It was tiny. But it helped."
3. Vegan food. Vegans are the other 1 percent, so this works on many levels, especially when you consider how messed big ag is. Susie Cagle, a reporter covering Occupy Oakland for Alternet, says:
I would actually recommend if possible that people bring food, especially hot and vegan, straight to occupy. They aren't cooking on site right now so cooked food is at a premium. I think everyone is out of the clink now and they're here and hungry -- and many are vegan.
2. Staples like salt, sugar, and butter/Earth Balance/cream cheese/vegan cream cheese for bagels.
Many occupy locations have about a million bagels, but nothing to put on them. Have you ever tried to eat a cold, dry bagel? Especially one that's not from New York? That is legitimate torture! As far as other staples, Tweet at your local occupy movement and ask what else they need in large quantities -- it's a great way to help out on the cheap.
1. Food that supports local businesses. Perhaps you'd consider buying from restaurants and businesses who are near occupations, and might have slower business because regulars are afraid of getting tear-gassed. For example, in Oakland, Golden Lotus and Disco Volante opened their doors to occupiers who needed aid, so calling in some large orders and taking them over to the tents is a good way to support the many.
