Food Not Bombs founder Keith McHenry was in Santa Cruz to give a presentation at Santa Cruz's Resource Center for Nonviolence. When he heard that no free Christmas meal was planned this year in downtown Santa Cruz, he decided to hang out and organize one. "We were told that the meal was not happening at the Vets Hall this year and I started hearing from people in other cities saying that their usual Christmas meals were also not happening. It was kind of shocking," said McHenry.

McHenry reports that many Food Not Bombs groups will be sharing vegan meals on Christmas this year responding to the increased need across the United States because of new cuts in food stamps and extreme reduction of access to food during the holiday season. "So, we had a meeting with the local Santa Cruz Food Not Bombs and decided to organize a meal." McHenry says they're planning on feeding up to one thousand people at the December 25th meal. "The enthusiasm of everybody who wants to contribute is just beyond comprehension," he said.

A free vegan Christmas meal will be offered by Santa Cruz Food Not Bombs on Wednesday, December 25 at 2pm in front of the downtown Post Office at 850 Front Street in Santa Cruz.

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