By Yvette Tan
Food for Peace is a lecture + gathering that aims to raise funds and awareness on what’s going on in Marawi, and to help-out those who were displaced.
The endeavor started with Babayin Network, which is composed of different women’s organizations like Gantala press, Jovenes Foundation, and Gabriella.
“The question (we got asked the most was) ‘How can I help’?” says Mabi David of Me & My Veg Mouth, a vegan food provider. “I always tell them, ‘Start from your own context.’ If you’re a teacher, talk to your students about it. Since I’m a cook, I (made meals) and donated them.”
The event, which was organized by Me & My Veg Mouth and Good Food Community, will consist of a forum featuring speakers like Mr. Alex Baluyut, news photographer and founder of Art Mobile Relief Kitchen, which mobilizes volunteer cooks among artists to set up mobile kitchens in disaster and crisis areas and feed the hungry; as well as Dada Atma of Ananda Marga to talk about ahimsa or nonviolence and the compassionate diet. They also have two Maranao cooks Assad Baunto and Aisah Masorong doing a cooking demo of their beloved Maranao dishes to be followed by a salo-salo and a mini-fair.
It is a fundraiser, and ALL ticket sales and donations will go partner organizations in Mindanao working to provide nutritious food and clean kitchens, as well as psychosocial services, to the evacuees.
“Basically, we want the people to begin in solidarity with people in Marawi. It’s just about our common humanity and what’s happening and just to be sharing and being like we’re standing with you, eating with you, we’re holding on together, and with that kind of like growing a future,” David says. “So, I think just like a gesture of coming together and listening to each other is important and valuable.”
Food for Peace will be held on November 4, Saturday, 1 to 5 p.m. Tickets are Php500 each. All proceeds go to charity.
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