Every Sunday, a group gathers in Arcata Plaza under a tent with a bright banner saying “Food Not Bombs.” Volunteers chat, shuffle around, and get ready to serve food. At 4:30 p.m., the tables still aren’t set up for their usual 4 p.m. meal, but the excitement is palpable as volunteers bring in fresh produce and warm meals.
“We might not always be on time,” smiles Turnip, a volunteer with a pink tie-dyed scarf, but the energy is infectious. With a loud cheer of “Free food!” the community’s spirit shines through.
Food Not Bombs started in the 1980s during protests against nuclear power. It’s now an international network focused on feeding those in need, especially with vegetarian and vegan options that would otherwise go to waste. Their message is clear: when a billion people are starving, why spend more on wars?
The Arcata chapter has been active since the 1990s, with a new group also serving near the Bayshore Mall in Eureka. Though the two locations operate differently—with Arcata focusing on vegan dishes and Eureka occasionally including meat—they share the same goal: to provide free meals to anyone who needs them.
Volunteers come together in a spirit of kindness. They gather leftover food from local markets, prepare meals, and distribute them to people in need. “Everyone contributes what they can,” Turnip explains, highlighting how this community works together. One volunteer even brings a tub of homemade cookies to share.
Recently, Anchor, another volunteer, noted an increase in people seeking help. “With cuts to EBT, there are definitely more hungry people,” they said, pointing out that the group serves everyone—families, individuals, even those who are housed.
Alex, a volunteer inspired by a campus protest, reveals that many people face tough times. “I’ve seen so many displaced people,” he says. He waited to join until he got his citizenship, fearing repercussions. But he felt called to help when he saw how many people struggled.
Legal changes have helped these efforts; in 2025, Senate Bill 634 made it illegal for cities to target those providing aid to the homeless. This newfound protection encourages activists to step forward and maintain support for those in need.
Mira is new to the group but felt compelled to join after seeing the growing number of people struggling to eat. “Sometimes, tough times motivate action,” she explained, as she shared how volunteering has filled a void in her life while connecting with like-minded individuals.
Sharing food creates a sense of community. People grab plates of guacamole, burritos, and lasagna, and laugh together. The warmth transcends the chilly weather as volunteers work hard to prepare nutritious meals, ensuring that everyone can enjoy their food safely.
Over in Eureka, R. Chaos leads the new Food Not Bombs chapter that started just nine months ago. He and his wife began this journey, feeling a need to act after seeing the growing hardship within the community. “We just got started,” he recalls, emphasizing that the group has grown significantly since their launch. Many of their volunteers have experienced homelessness, which adds a personal touch to their mission.
This sense of understanding is vital. Chaos shares how he once faced great hardship too. “It’s tough out there,” he says. “It’s about helping others and sharing—simple acts of kindness.” The volunteers distribute not only food but also essentials like hygiene kits and clothing, addressing the broader needs within the community.
With urgent calls for help, the Bayshore Food Not Bombs chapter decided to rely on community support through a GoFundMe, reflecting the broader challenges faced during winter. They serve meals made from fresh ingredients, even experimenting with new recipes based on donations.
Notably, many volunteers, such as Blake and Julia, contribute their culinary skills, preparing everything from squash enchiladas to hearty stews. “It’s important to use what would go to waste,” Julia mentions, as volunteers rally around each other in support. The excitement grows as people pick up meals, sharing compliments and gratitude with every bite.
Turnip highlights the importance of inclusivity in these spaces. “We welcome everyone,” they explain, mentioning that many may feel excluded in traditional organizations. “Here, there’s no judgment.” Food Not Bombs strives to be a safe haven where anyone can receive help without stigma.
Chaos added, “Even if you’re not homeless, come grab a meal. Everyone deserves to eat.” Whether it’s for a hearty meal or a chat with friends, this group brings people together in a time of need.
Food Not Bombs doesn’t just serve meals; it cultivates community, compassion, and connection. It is about sharing for a better tomorrow, the way it has always been.
