National Fouding
Food Not Bombs started after the May 24, 1980 protest to stop the Seabrook Nuclear power station north of Boston in New Hampshire in the United States. The people that started Food Not Bombs share their first full meal outside the Federal Reserve Bank on March 26, 1981 during the stock holders meeting of the Bank of Boston to protest the exploitation of capitalism and investment in the nuclear industry.
The eight people that started Food Not Bombs lived in Boston and Cambridge, Massachusetts in the United States. Their names are Jo Swanson, Mira Brown, Susan Eaton, Brian Feigenbaum, CT, Jessie Constable, Amy Rothstien and Keith McHenry. Founders at 195 Harvard Street, Cambridge, MA
Visit the Food Not Bombs National Page to explore a continuation of the vast history of the organizations founding, history, and concept.
Charlottesville, Virginia Chapter
In 2001, Jennifer Connor founded the Charlottesville, Virginia chapter, initially as a peaceful gathering in protest of the US Invasion of Iraq. Today, Charlottesville Food Not Bombs features many dedicated volunteers who collect perishable foods and pantry items that would otherwise go to waste from grocery stores, bakeries, and farmers markets and gives them back to the community. We strive to share food, skills, ideas, and conversation. Before the pandemic, the chapter prepared and shared free vegan meals each week.
As the economic, political and environmental crisis grow more urgent Food Not Bombs is often the place were people turn for fresh groceries, information and emotional support. Please come join our efforts by joining the community each week and consider volunteering or donating to an important cause.
"Food Not Bombs" is a safe place for everyone to come together. In Santa Cruz, those in need can take a shower or even enjoy a massage. "Food Not Bombs" is restoring hope and dignity to their community while leaving the space a cleaner, greener place.
“We can all be the Johnny and Jane Appleseeds of anarchist counter-structure. We do this by harvesting good ideas and strategies from across the globe and replacing them on the local level.”