Things are getting scary out there, and not just because it’s Halloween weekend. With SNAP being cut for November, we need mutual aid networks to strengthen food sovereignty in Holyoke more than ever. We’ve got some awesome opportunities coming up for you to get involved!
Want to get your hands dirty helping us and Western Mass SURJ grow food for local pantries and tribes? Sign up to volunteer at our workday next Saturday, Nov. 8 from 10:30-12:30
What’s equally scary is that the United States puts 1.2 billion lbs of pumpkins into the landfill after Halloween each year. Let’s build our soil for community food production instead of creating toxic greenhouse gases that destroy our planet. Come to our first annual Pumpkin Smash in collaboration with Neighbor to Neighbor at their Dwight Street Garden! Bring your pumpkins and jack ‘o lanterns in any stage of decomposition (no glitter or stickers), all ages welcome, no need to register.
Last, but hardly least, we’re so excited to announce our 5th Seasonal Collective Dinner: Food Justice Feast— a celebration of nourishment, connection, and community visioning.
Chef Neftalí Durán will prepare a glorious feast featuring soups, local vegetable dishes, and an array of meats and proteins, with options for everyone. The menu might include: butternut squash soup, hearty stew, duck legs confit, turkey breast, bison, wild rice, beans, salad, roasted local vegetables, tea, agua fresca, and cookies.
Alongside the meal, we’ll host a community discussion on building mutual aid networks to strengthen food sovereignty in Holyoke. We’ll hear from local leaders already advancing this work, then reflect and share ideas together in small groups.
We’ll also be collecting non-perishable foods for Holyoke food pantries and raising awareness and funds for the upcoming March for the Food Bank (Nov. 24–25).
Our events are family-friendly — there will be activities for kids but no childcare.
Admission is sliding scale, starting at $0 — no one will ever be turned away for lack of funds. Our break-even cost is $25 per adult, and those able to contribute more are invited to give up to $40 in support of our work. The event is made possible in part by Mass Cultural Council.
Come share food, ideas, and inspiration for a more connected, nourished community.
