This evening, at the behest of my former neighbors (a couple of “crazy anarchists”), I attended a benefit for Food Not Bombs.  This community of activists provides food, seasonal clothing, and social awareness literature, and safe sex supplies–absolutely free of charge, and no questions asked.

I like social programs.  I like that our government provides essential services to those in need.  While I tend to disagree with most anarchists on a lot of issues, I have to commend this group of “anti-establishment weirdos” who are also providing much needed goods to people directly through donations.

Before Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s implementation of New Deal programs, mutual aid societies already existed, and nearly 30% of adults were members of one.  The value in a mutual aid society is that today’s donor may be tomorrow’s recipient, or vice versa.

In general, I don’t support anarchist idealism…but I do support anyone  who cares enough about our community to get involved.

“What you do speaks so loudly that I cannot hear what you say.”
 — Ralph Waldo Emerson

To donate items, volunteer, or refer anyone in need, please check out Food Not Bombs STL on Facebook.