February 2nd, 2024

Hi friends,

Unbelievably into February–I’ve been measuring time in persimmon vinegar. A neighborly gift in November, these seasonal favorites have been slowing funking up on my counter. Turning from fruity hooch into tangy aspirations, I’m on edge waiting for the final result. (I’ll keep y’all posted!) That’s been a recurrent theme, of late. Compounding small moments and keeping myself in motion. No real idea of the final outcome, but keeping up with routine burping, (ferment heads will know) and accepting the long-term return. Patience in making untimely food is very much a reminder to slow down and appreciate the process.

So, giving into reluctant patience and finding intrigue in the process. Through complex ferments, slow-rise bakes, failed recipe attempts. The end result is always worth the wait. 

Stay hungry,Hawnuh Lee | Founder, Closed Loop Cooking

Funk with ferments.

The dish >>

• Diving into the treasure trove of sustainability food history podcast eps from Red to Green. This is a great, banana flavored place to start.

• This Menu Design in Europe collection is the thing of my designer dreams.

• Living in corn borealis.

• Still in winter produce mode with this kohlrabi citrus salad.

• I’m on steamed bread ASMR.

• Newly invested in Dennis Lee’s Food is Stupid newsletter.

Revisiting mutual aid

A roundup by Hawnuh Lee

In the wake of ongoing climate crises, supporting unhoused neighbors navigating the elements, live streaming a literal genocide in Palestine–the overwhelm is palpable. In these moments, I look towards community care efforts to support in a direct way. Mutual aid provides an avenue for any level of action you have capacity for. From donating food to checking in on those closest to you, there is opportunity for our collective effort to make a difference.

I’m re-running this important resource round-up, with relevant updates to give you a place to start and share in the new year. It’s vital to consider the long-term impacts of consistent mutual aid and know that your effort over time adds to our common quality of life, however best you can show up.

Community care + getting started with mutual aid

A resilient future starts with collective community support. Taking care of people is taking care of the planet. There is inherent value in supporting the folks closest to you and reaching out towards loose ties to build relationships. 

So what is mutual aid?

Through reciprocal effort, communities can support each other with the understanding that our current global systems do not support fundamental human and planetary wellbeing. Mutual aid is cooperative action to support the most immediate needs of community members. It is a revolutionary act based in equity and can start with easy effort.

Who can participate in mutual aid?

That’s the best part of subversive cultural movements, they are for everyone. Mutual aid efforts span a range of community needs, all dependent on your region. If you have the desire to support your local area, you can put that intention to good use.

Ways to get started

• Community fridges

  • A favorite, low effort and high impact mutual aid action is donating to your local free fridge. Usually a centrally located refrigerator anyone is eligible to add to or take from, as needed. Labeled donations (with date and allergens) help provide extra meal staples for those in need. Your city likely has a map to reference but if you’re in an area without a free fridge, you could take the extra step to coordinate setting one up with a local charity or other organization

    • PDX Free Fridge Map

    • LA Community Fridges

    • NYC Community Fridges

• Buy Nothing

  • A great low-to-zero waste local (Facebook) group promoting trade and care through sharing freely. A valuable resource in distributing excess materials, food, or help in the direct community. Look for a region-specific BN group to get started. Supporting re-use and circularity for the planet and your people.

    • Buy Nothing Project

• Mutual Aid Books

  • An easy way to support resilient informed education is donating to or backing the Mutual Aid Books ethos. A platform distributing free reads that center Black and Indigenous authors for readers of all ages. Spreading knowledge and supporting underrepresented writers makes reading itself an act of resistance,

    • Mutual Aid Books

• IG Groups

  • A quick search for “mutual aid” + your city on Instagram will reveal a few established groups or individuals coordinating efforts in your area. You can choose your level of support / engagement with each call to action.

    • Portland Mutual Aid Network

• Check in with your people

  • The closest folks to you, your friends, family, and neighbors are the first palace to connect. Ask your circle to share needs (and start small if that’s helpful) and set aside time on a regular basis to support each other in fulfilling requests. That could look like a meal train for someone in need or trading child care for tech support. Make use of your skills and resources and facilitate reciprocal effort with those willing to help.

• Supporting Palestine from afar

  • Follow and read up on Let’s Talk Palestine.

  • Continue participating in postcard writing, calling, and emailing for a ceasefire.

  • PDX specific but this action toolkit is amazing.

  • Seek out new recipes, eat Palestinian food and support local food delivery / donation for Palestinian neighbors!

As your mutual aid journey evolves, you’ll find a niche of effort that speaks to your abilities and passion. Small action compounds and getting started with the best intention is the first step in creating a more resilient future.

Collard coquette.

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