Food for Thought is a group of formerly incarcerated people and non-incarcerated folx who meet in Vancouver on a regular basis to share space, food and build community. Recognizing vital relationships between abolitionist political struggle and community building we started a ‘lunch club’ to build much needed social connections between those getting out of prison (who often have very little family community support) & non-incarcerated community. In 2020, after finishing up a university class at the prison for ‘women’ – a group of students (and an instructor) decided to continue to meet on a bi-weekly basis. The group comprised of those that had been incarcerated/’inside’ students, university/’outside’ students as well as Joint Effort members. Shared meals became the focal point for these gatherings, which offer essential community support for folks getting out of prison and a chance for the non-incarcerated to learn first-hand about the prison system and to breakdown stereotypes. All meals are free to community members either via Joint Effort fundraising, or by generous sharing by friends with resources.

Food for Thought allows us to share food, time & friendship. We recognize this as integral to the Indigenous sharing and caring values of the Lands we are on. For those that have been institutionalized, Food for Thought creates a space of caring for the whole body: physical, social, emotional, mental, intellectual and spiritual. These ongoing meals offer nourishment both physically and emotionally and help create safe spaces for folks to talk about difficulties of reintegrating, accomplishments, insecurities, and challenges. It allows all of us to connect across such differences – to converse, to learn from one another and thus create much-needed supportive community.

During the Summer Food For Thought met in parks for picnics. During the Winter, we meet in cafes, restaurants or food fairs where proof of vaccination is not required.

Food For Thought has been supported by funding from Vancity’s Community Partnership Program.