The FEEST Fam ended 2025 with a gathering in the kitchen at Rainier Beach Action Coalition (RBAC) for a homemade dinner with our Student Organizers that reminded us why food has always been central to organizing. Coming together around a shared meal created space for conversation, laughter, and reflection, long before anyone picked up a sign or stepped into a meeting. These moments of connection are where trust begins to form and where movements take root. ✨🥕💬
We’re deeply grateful to RBAC for opening their space and kitchen to FEEST and our youth. That act of care matters deeply. Access to a welcoming, functional kitchen makes it possible for people to show up fully, to feel at ease, and to linger a little longer. These kinds of spaces allow relationships to grow organically, well after the plates are cleared and the chairs are stacked.
FEEST staff and youth came together over a satisfying meal of veggie tempura and chicken wings. The food was fresh, delicious, and shared generously across the table. Passing plates, checking in with one another, and enjoying a meal side-by-side gave us something tangible to gather around and a reason to slow our pace for the evening.
At FEEST, we understand food as more than nourishment. Food brings people together across differences. Relationships built over meals become the foundation for trust, and trust is what allows organizing to grow in ways that are sustainable, relational, and deeply rooted in community. When people feel connected and cared for, they are better able to imagine and work toward collective change.
This dinner was a powerful reminder that organizing can look many different ways. Sometimes it starts in the kitchen, with shared food, shared stories, and the time to simply be together. These moments of care, connection, and joy are what sustain the long work ahead. Check out some of the photos we captured from the dinner and take a glimpse into what building community can look like in practice. 📸🍽️💜
Special thank you to Mel Ponder for taking such phenomenal photos of our dinner!
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Youth are in the lead at FEEST because we know that change is not effective unless those most impacted by health inequities are the decision makers. Support youth leadership by donating today, OR sign up for our newsletter to get the latest from FEEST!