Garden Dreams


I begin this blog with, not with a description of a garden, but of a restaurant. Strange, right? Hang with me.

As many of you know, Amanda and I spent a few years doing ministry in Denver, Colorado. In Denver, we were introduced to a restaurant that had one of those heaven-on-earth feelings to it, even though it's not "Christian". It's called SAME Cafe. (Fun fact: we even had our rehearsal dinner on August 27, 2014 before we got married on the 28th at SAME Cafe!)

SAME is an acronym for So All May Eat. Their mission is simple, create community access to healthy food. They do this by asking for donations for their food and by having a volunteer staff. If someone comes in and doesn't have any money to donate for their food, they are invited to work for 1/2 hour. In this video, Brad Birky (one of the founders) says that 75% of their budget is made up of only donations! That's amazing because restaurants tend to be difficult businesses to "break-even" in.

They call themselves a donation based, fair exchange restaurant. It's considered "fair exchange" because they believe that not only those with money should be given access to healthy food. "Time" and "Work", at SAME cafe, are considered equal to dollars and cents. Sometimes someone who is not able to work or pay comes to SAME, but they too are welcomed to participate in the community by talking and just enjoying themselves. Doesn't this sound like a strange utopia?! If you visit Denver, this place is a must to go to and the food is delicious. Definitely get a cookie.

Food security and access to healthy food is a problem for many people without a stable income. Even when a person who is homeless or considered low income has money, they buy what they can afford, like: McDonalds, gas station pizza, processed foods at the grocery store. These things may taste "okay", but if it's all someone is eating, it can negatively affect their mental, physical health and, in the long run, their finances, too. It's a huge problem in the US.


SAME Cafe encourages people to participate. This is something not a lot of Not for Profit organizations do. Typically, Non-profit organizations are good at reallocating resources. They give food to people who don't have it, no strings attached, clothes to those who don't have them, etc. You get the picture. The people in need only receive and don't often get to participate. At SAME cafe, there are strings attached. SAME Cafe has expectations for their costumers. By bringing those they serve into the mix, it builds community, raises people's spirits and fills stomachs with healthy food. It's one of the most holistic organizations I've ever volunteered with. People feel encouraged and like they are a part of something great, rather than, say, a person, lacking material wealth with no where to belong to. We all want to belong, don't we? That's why we all love (at least the concept of) family, church, book clubs and other intimate social gatherings. They are what give us that sense of belonging and acceptance. If you think about it, in these meaningful social groups, it's unacceptable not to contribute in some form. I have a strong conviction that a basic human need is to feel useful.

If you go into SAME Cafe it's pretty amazing. The patrons are a mix of people. Some young professionals, lawyers, families with young kids, people who are experiencing homelessness etc. They all enjoy being a part of the family that is SAME Cafe. Because of that, they do what it takes to make it stay opened. People mop floors, donate money for food, give their fresh produce and scrub toilets. It feels more like a family than a restaurant.

I have similar dreams for the Giving Garden that we're starting across the street from the church. A place where anyone can come to donate for fresh produce or work for it. To give anyone in Thomasville greater access to fresh produce. I'm okay with having "strings" attached because I think that's what ultimately creates special and meaningful community spaces. My dream is, that like SAME Cafe, that it meets food needs but, at the same time, isn't  about the "food" and more about the "relationships" that are fostered. In those relationships we can talk about faith, troubles and get in touch with one of God's many gifts and counseling tools, nature.

What do you think? Do you think this type of business model would work for a food garden? Would you like to participate in this? I don't think this is going to be easy by any means, but I think it's a worthy thing to work hard for.

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