Residents donated canned goods on November 6 during the Allston Brighton Health Collaborative’s (ABHC) Fall Food Harvest Fest held at Brighton Allston Congregational Church.
Members of the nonprofit’s Food Access Committee said the potluck and food drive at Brighton Allston Congregational Church was intended to connect the public with resources as the federal shutdown imperils government food programs. About 70 people attended the event, which featured food vendors, workshops and community networking.
The donations “almost felt like a truckload,” said Jessica Rubin, ABHC’s Food Access Committee member. “I might be exaggerating, but it was a lot of food. It was great to see the community show up and show out to help their neighbors.”
Participants learned to make sauerkraut and grow microgreens during a workshop taught by Rita Vaidya, who runs her own microgreen farm, North Allston Farms.
Locals appreciated the event as a community space to meet new people.
“Events like this where you just go out and meet those people is important,” said attendee Matt Landry. “Engaging with [people] is important, like people from all different walks of life.”
In addition to the activities, vendors seemed grateful to serve their food at an event focused on food and fellowship. Louis Elveus, owner of Sweet and Comfy desserts, said the packed room was a demonstration of community unity. His business specializes in creating “infinite maximum desserts” with ice cream, cereal, milk and various confections.
“When I came in, it was just packed,” said Elveus. “So, I think the fact that they’re able to bring people together [is valuable], especially in a time like this in the world, where it seems like a lot of people are divided.”