For about 20 years in more than 175 cities around the world, a small group of vegetarian activists have gathered in small kitchens with a goal of solving a problem that people face every day: hunger. This is a problem every city encounters.
Even in our own city of Rochester, many face the problem of homelessness and poverty. Organizations such as the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Foodlink, and the Salvation Army exist in order to help those in need.Another such organization goes by the name Food Not Bombs (FNB).
The Rochester FNB chapter feeds about 50 to 110 people a week, receiving food that has outdated expiration dates but is still good, from local supermarkets and natural food stores. Operated on a food bank and free meal program, Food Not Bombs provides “hot meals as well as one to one and a half tons of groceries that are provided [to us] by FOODLINK,” says Andrew Stankevich, the cooking manager and live-in staff member for St. Joseph’s House of Hospitality. Every Sunday in a small kitchen at St. Joe’s, Andrew and many other concerned activists gather to serve vegetarian meals to people in need.
What attracts people to Food Not Bombs? One volunteer says he was easily able to “connect” with the mission of the organization: spending money to feed the poor instead of spending money on war. “…While our government prefers to spend millions on weapons of war, and training armies …that money could be used to feed every single person in this country,” comments Spindel Duende, an active volunteer for FNB, who serves food and books charity concerts to raise money for the organization. The program brings together a group of people with the same beliefs and visions, with a free-spirited “vibe” and a youth-oriented, counter-cultural mindset.
Vegetarianism also plays a wide role in FNB, not only for the ethical reasons but also due to health reasons: “It is more difficult to ensure that meat is properly handled and that people aren’t going to get sick,” says Andrew. “Meat is also scarce and expensive.”
Every month, Rochester FNB hosts a concert consisting of local and out of town hardcore/punk acts. Taking place at St. Joe’s, these concerts make it possible to raise money, spread the word about the organization and draw in volunteers. With bands such as The Evicted, Danny Down and the Syndromes, The Exam, Nobody Cares and even Webster High School’s own The Skrubs, FNB is able to raise money for their charitable cause.
Food Not Bombs does more than just offer food for the less fortunate: “Not only do we provide direct service by feeding the people,” says Andrew, “we also provide advocacy to the poor and homeless.”
Rochester Food Not Bombs Volunteer:
P.O. Box 39618 Rochester, NY 14604
Volunteer: Call 232-0884
Email: Rochesterfnb@yahoo.com
www.oocities.org/spindel666foodbomb.html

“What’s up?” asked the out-of-shape office worker.
“Your cholesterol level,” replies a witty lawyer played by Jim Carrey in the movie “Liar Liar.”
This is one quote from one of the hundreds of comedies that draw people to the movies each year.
An informal survey was conducted of 100 randomly selected students here to see what types of movies are popular among them, what their favorite movies are, and what they think of movies in general.
The survey showed that 36 per cent of respondents prefer comedies over any other type of movie.
Some of their favorite comedies of the past include “Clueless,” “Dumb and Dumber,” “Next Friday,” and “Big Daddy.” One popular movie that is currently in the theaters is “Down to Earth.”
Students also enjoy many other types of movies. Other popular choices include action, romance, and horror movies. Eighteen per cent of students favor action films, 11 per cent enjoy romantic movies, and 9 per cent chose horror movies as their favorite type of movie. One horror movie popular among students is “Hannibal.” When asked about their opinion of movies in general, students had mixed reactions. “Movies are way too expensive,” says senior Bill O’Grady. Many students surveyed said that they go to the movies as little as twice a year because of the high prices. The price to see a movie ranges from $4.50 to $7.25. The cost varies from theater to theater and depends on the time of day.
Yet Stephanie Vendel, who, like the majority of students, prefers comedy, is willing to pay the price. “The movies are a fun and relaxing place to go,” she says, adding that there is no replacement for the movie theater. “The movie always seems better at the [theater].”
Stephanie is not alone in looking for fun and relaxation through laughter. There is evidence that laughter can relieve stress. In Japan, according to the radio show “Morning Edition,” hosted by National Public Radio, some banks have begun to implement laughter clubs to help alleviate the stress their employees are feeling.
Members of the club have undergone positive changes, such as gaining self-confidence and motivation.
The women’s magazine Cosmopolitan recommended in July 1991 that women should date humorous men. Their research suggested that laughing away stress helps people maintain a positive perspective on life.
Perhaps students prefer watching comedy movies because they feel that comedies help relieve the stress that goes along with being a teenager.