{Hopeful treats to be served at Sweet Art’s Cupcakes and Conversation tonight, Aug. 22}
It’s been a tough few weeks in our city. St. Louis is grappling with some difficult issues right now, and many in the community are wondering how to move forward. Here, four food-focused ways to show your support for the community in these troubled times.
1. HandleBar in The Grove is hosting a food drive now through 3 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 23 to fill the bare shelves at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church food bank. Bring a nonperishable food item, household supplies such as laundry soup, all-purpose cleaner or toilet paper, or a personal hygiene items like toothbrushes, soap or deodorant with you to the bar tonight and receive a little something in return (discounted bills, a free beer and more are on the table). Keep an eye on HandleBar’s Facebook page for updated surprises and raid your pantry to give back.
2. Sweet Art‘s Reine Bayoc hosts Cupcakes and Conversation tonight, Aug. 22, from 6 to 8 p.m. to provide a forum for civil, honest discussion about the recent unrest in Ferguson. This is not a “who can pound their chests the hardest” event, Bayoc said, but a chance for the community to gather and share thoughts on how to move forward in a positive way. Join the conversation – or just listen – over free coffee and discounted cupcakes.
3. Put on your work boots and join Gateway Garlic Urban Farm at Urban Farmed Uprising Saturday, Aug. 23, at Terry There Gardens in Ferguson. Beginning at 10 a.m., volunteers will help tidy the urban farm and plant fall crops, as well as work on irrigation systems. Then help load up the trucks at 2 p.m. as Gateway Garlic delivers more than half a ton of fresh produce to Ferguson families in need. Coffee, tea and snacks will be provided, and volunteers are encouraged to bring a dish to share for lunch. Volunteers are asked to RSVP on Facebook if attending.
4. Join together at St. Louis 4 Unity, a rally in Ferguson to bring together citizens, elected leaders, clergy, activists and law enforcement to stand strong in Ferguson. Everyone is invited to the rally Saturday, Aug. 23 from 2 to 4 p.m. at 9131 W. Florissant Ave., and are encouraged to bring handmade signs in support of St. Louis unity, peace and healing. Participants are encouraged to RSVP here to receive further updates.
This article appears in August 2014.