Food Not Bombs
By Caroline Judson

When I saw Tom Turnipseed dishing out cooked collards from a huge pot it got my attention. A quiet orderly line of about 100 or more people were standing with paper plates and a ticket in hand.

This is the Food not Bombs group that is celebrating five years in Columbia this month. Sandy and Richie Hussman are among the first people to bring free food every Sunday to the patio at Finlay Park. Included in this number are Tom Turnipseed and his wife.

Near the huge splashing refreshing fountain, the patio is turned into an outdoor dining room. Volunteers stand behind long tables and serve. Individuals make rice and beans. Rosewood Market donates fruits and veggies. Churches send contributions, Publix donates bread and desserts regularly.

Volunteers who serve are listed each week on a web site with food choices they will bring. Tickets are free and handed out to all so food can be stretched if numbers require it.

The hungry recipients of the food not only includes homeless people, but grocery clerks, visitors from other towns, people who have lost jobs, and those who need encouragement and/or are in a grief situation. Nothing is asked in return.

"Different contributors provide food each time usually 25 in number," says Ira Cooper, who along with his wife, Elaine are regulars bringing food. He works at Palmetto Richland Hospital. He says the idea for Food not Bombs in Columbia came from a USC student named Daniel who is now a political advocate in Chicago.

Food not Bombs meets only on Sunday at 12:30 pm in Finlay Park. The meal is served promptly, and everyone is welcome. The volunteers and participants always leave the patio clean and neat. Donations are accepted for this non- profit organization.