Closed Loop Cooking Weekly Newsletter 7.14.23

CLC Weekly 🍑 Reciprocal peach halves.

July 14, 2023

July 14th, 2023

Hi friends,

Appreciating unexpected moments of care this week. It’s showing up in shared red bean buns + banana halves, take-out from my fav pho spot after a long day, and salty black licorice candy palmed quietly into my hand. Eclectic, and moments that mean everything. And if you hadn’t guessed, this is my black licorice reveal, I’ll die on this flavor hill.

Care is reciprocity, and for me that means mutual food. Taking time to feed each other, even in the smallest of snacks, is what truly keeps us together. In a week of overwhelm I’ve been held by sharing and receiving each of these thoughtful tidbits.

We can often find ourselves overwhelmed in how to show up for our people, spinning on grandiose displays of love. When in actuality, the other half of a golden peach is unspoken perfection and the quickest way to my heart. True care is a simple share.

I’m hoping your week is dotted with as many unexpected morsels.

and as always–

Stay hungry,Hawnuh Lee | Founder, Closed Loop Cooking

Strawbaby sneeze. // @hawnuhlee

The dish >>

Community care + getting started with mutual aid

A beginner's how-to from Hawnuh Lee

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 with mutual aid:

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

What does mutual aid look like in your community? Reply back with notes <3

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