Bring it to the Table

By Paavo Downing

PHS Press staff member

Our Community Kitchen (OCK) is a place where you can go to eat a healthy breakfast, meet community members, and be part of Food Justice. OCK is located at the Episcopalian Church in Stillwater MN on 3^rd St. N. 

You may ask, “What is food justice?” Food Justice is a growing movement to create social responsibility and a sense of community through food.  Food Justice educates community members about the fact that they can grow and eat healthy foods while caring for the land. A strong local food system and a healthy environment are just a couple of benefits seen when people practice Food Justice.

OCK was founded in June 2011 and it has been growing with new members and projects since that time.  The most recent addition is a community based garden.  The Community garden was started in 2013 with three raised beds.  This year the garden has doubled its size and produces a variety of crops ranging from Swiss chard to Tuscan Kale. The garden has produced so much that in addition to providing for OCK patrons breakfast, they are also able to take home fresh grown surplus crops. 

When asked what she likes best about OCK regular customer Isana Downing, 8, of Bayport MN states: “I love the blueberry pancakes! I also like to play with the dog Halo.”

OCK relies primarily on its volunteers to provide the service it offers.  Breakfast is held at Our Ascension Church. The address is 214 3^rd St. N Stillwater MN 55082.  Breakfast is served Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:00am-10:00am.  If you are interested in volunteering or have any questions regarding OCK please contact Diane at drollie@pressenter.com.  You could also visit the OCK website to learn more about this wonderful program http://www.ourcommunitykitchen.org/index.html. Also visit the OCK Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OurCommunityKitchen/timeline.