Frequently Asked Questions

Charlotte Food Not Bombs Basics

What do we do?

We coordinate and host free community meals every other Sunday @ 5pm at First Ward Park. We also usually have clothes, reproductive health supplies, and other items that are regularly needed in our community.

How do we coordinate?

We have a Signal chat that we coordinate meal logistics in that anyone can join once they have come to 2 meals.

What is our chapter's food policy?

We serve vegan and vegetarian food. If non-vegan and/or non-vegetarian food is brought that would otherwise go to waste, we will accept it and serve it in a separate area if it does not require cooking to be distributed or shared with the community.

What is our chapter’s policy on masking?

Masking is required at CLT Food Not Bombs community meals - we mask to keep ourselves and our community safe in the midst of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

What is our protocol for if police show up?

We will always have at least 2 community members trained in community defense and de-escalation at every community meal and those community members will interface with the police if that situation arises.

If you are not sure who the designated community members are for a community meal that you are at, please ask around and they will be pointed out to you.

What is security culture and how do we practice it?

This is a good resource that explains and motivates security culture as a practice. For us it generally manifests in our using aliases, communicating on encrypted channels, and sharing sensitive information on a need-to-know basis.