Another Week Beyond – 2328

July 14, 2023

Dear Friends,

3 months ago, when we asked 3 mothers what would bring neighbours together, their spontaneous answer was “Food!” One of them is a volunteer who organises the distribution of food drop-offs by the Jamiyah Food Bank, elaborated that food is a way to do good. Every fortnight when the truckful of groceries arrives, 4 to 6 neighbours will help her sort the items in a way that makes it easy for residents to collect. The lack of food is a strain on families that heightens during the school holidays because children ask for food when they are home. However, these mothers also told us that food reminds them of people and festivals, and they very much enjoy preparing a meal.

Soon after that conversation, with rations from the Jamiyah Food Bank, 2 mothers whipped up a meal at our premises for their families. They also took the opportunity to show 2 other mothers how to prepare the dishes they were serving. Thus, 4 families as well as those of us in the office enjoyed chicken in a spicy coconut gravy and fish in sweet black sauce. It was a joyful experience and the mothers proposed that neighbours could meet regularly to share their recipes.

On Monday, 2 other mothers prepared a meal at a common area near their homes. This time it was a salad with a peanut sauce and a chilli flavoured porridge. 2 older men came by, told the mothers that they were attracted by the aroma and had their fill. Interestingly, a Japanese woman passing by, stopped to watch the mums cooking. She shared that she had just moved to Singapore and was taken by the Malay cuisine. She asked when the next session would be held, and the mothers were excited by the prospect of learning to prepare a Japanese meal from her.

There is now a list of 6 mothers who have agreed to be rostered to share their recipes and they are hopeful that more will join them.

ABCD or Asset Based Community Development is grounded in the principle that everyone has a gift to contribute, and that community is created when people come together to share their gifts. As ABCD practitioners, we facilitate opportunities for people to talk about what brings them joy and while food is always in the frame, it is really a felt connection to a place and its people. ABCD is often touted as a method of community organising to resolve social challenges identified by social service providers but unless the agenda is adopted by the community, nothing much moves.

So as practitioners, we are not a part of the community but as trusted guests, we accompany our hosts respectfully and appreciate the many turns in their journey. The agenda is set by them, and we do our best to be a conduit for the necessary resources.

Food or the need for it is a constant challenge that has come to our attention. It is not so much food for joyful occasions but the assurance that there will be enough on the table for all at home. Your sharing of a meal is much needed and will be much appreciated. Please click on the end banner to share.

For peace and community,

Gerard

Good food is a right, not a privilege. It brings children into a positive relationship with their health, community and environment. — Alice Waters

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