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Food Not Bombs NormanFrequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Welcome! This FAQ is designed to answer common questions about Food Not Bombs, both as a global movement and as we work to re-establish a local chapter here in Norman. We believe in a world where everyone is fed, and where community resources are used for care, not war.
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1. What is Food Not Bombs?
Food Not Bombs is a global volunteer movement that recovers food that would otherwise be discarded and shares free vegan and vegetarian meals with the community. Our work is a form of protest against war, poverty, and the destruction of the environment. We believe that with 40% of food being wasted and over half of U.S. federal tax dollars funding the military, society's priorities must change. By meeting the direct need for food, we inspire the public to demand that resources be redirected to human needs.
2. Are you a charity?
No. While we provide essential food sharing, Food Not Bombs is not a charity. We are a direct action, mutual aid movement. Our goal is to inspire systemic change by showing that people can work together cooperatively to solve problems like hunger and homelessness without top-down leadership. We are seeking to end hunger and poverty, not just manage it.
If you are not interested in changing society so no one needs to eat at a soup kitchen, you might prefer to volunteer with a traditional charity. We are building a movement to end the exploitation of the economic and political system.
3. Why do you only share vegan and vegetarian food?
We serve vegan food for three core reasons:
· Safety: Recovering and serving meat poses a significant health risk due to spoilage.
· Non-Violence: As part of our commitment to peace, we oppose violence against animals and do not want to support industries that exploit them.
· Environment: A plant-based diet has a much lower environmental impact, allowing us to share more food with a smaller ecological footprint. It’s also a way to introduce the community to healthy, sustainable eating.
4. How is Food Not Bombs organized?
Food Not Bombs is a grassroots, leaderless movement. There are no paid staff or directors. Each local group is independent and run entirely by volunteers working cooperatively. This "Do It Yourself" (DIY) model empowers anyone to start a group with their friends and make a direct impact. One person cannot be a Food Not Bombs group, but one person can initiate a group.
5. I want to help refound the Norman chapter! Where do we even start?
It can seem like a lot, but we take it one step at a time. The path may look like this:
· Step 1: Connect. We'll set up a contact point—a phone number, email, and social media—so people can find us.
· Step 2: Meet & Plan. We'll hold public meetings to talk about our goals. The agenda will focus on food collection, cooking locations, and where to share meals.
· Step 3: Find Wheels. We'll arrange for volunteers with a vehicle (or bikes with carts!) for food pickup and delivery.
· Step 4: Source Food. We'll approach local groceries, bakeries, and farmers' markets to recover food that would be wasted.
· Step 5: Build Relationships. Initially, we may deliver food to existing shelters and meal programs to understand community needs.
· Step 6: Cook & Share. We'll then start preparing our own meals, first at community events and protests to build momentum.
· Step 7: Establish a Regular Share. Finally, we'll pick a consistent, visible time and public location to share free meals and literature.
This process might take weeks or months, and that's okay! We'll follow the path that works best for our group.
6. Where will you get your food?
We recover food that is perfectly good but would otherwise be thrown away. Our sources include grocery stores, bakeries, farmers' markets, and organic farms. This model reduces food waste and proves that we have enough abundance to feed everyone.
7. Why is literature and a banner so important?
The meal alone is not enough to convey our message. Providing literature and displaying a "Food Not Bombs" banner is crucial to show that we are not a charity, but a group seeking social change. It makes the often "invisible poverty" visible and sparks conversations about redirecting military spending to human needs. The meal and literature together are a powerful way to share the message of "Food Not Bombs."
8. Is it legal to share free food in public?
Yes. Sharing free food and literature with people in public space is a protected activity and is generally unregulated. While a very small number of Food Not Bombs groups in other cities have faced political harassment, the vast majority of volunteers never have any interaction with the authorities. No permit is required to share a free meal with your community.
9. What is the ultimate goal of Food Not Bombs?
Our goal is to create a society that prioritizes people and the planet over profit and war. We work for a world where:
· Food, housing, healthcare, and education are recognized as basic human rights.
· Military spending is redirected to human needs.
· Communities are empowered to solve their own problems cooperatively, without corporate domination or exploitation.
Food is a right, not a privilege.
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Ready to get involved?
We are currently rebuilding the Norman chapter and would love to have you. Your energy and ideas are what will make this project successful. Help us decide the next steps together! Come visit us to see how you can help the work along!
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
NCom Cyberhall, 914 W. Main St.,Norman, Oklahoma, United States
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.
