2nd 'Raise Our Forks' Potluck Celebrates Neighbors, Caring

GREENPORT, NY — Stir up a batch of delicious dishes, sprinkle the efforts with love, and invite everyone to share a meal — the steps add up to a recipe for success, said Penelope Rudder, who organized the second "Raise Our Forks" potluck on in Greenport Sunday.

"We all 'do' so much and, sometimes, miss those opportunities to just slow down and 'be,' " Rudder said. "This potluck was a delicious way to celebrate each other as neighbors and we did it deliciously! Even some who couldn't come sent food for others in the community to enjoy. 'Meet and greet, laugh and eat' pretty much describes it — and it was a wonderful way to celebrate part of Earth Day weekend, strengthening those precious human connections."

Rudder, a Greenport woman with a heart of gold, is working her way down her bucket list of good works.

Rudder is also creating a Little Free Pantry to help provide essentials to those in need; she has organized a series of "Raise Our Forks" Community Potluck Dinner events in the village.

The first was held in January and the was held held on Saturday at the fellowship hall of Holy Trinity Church in Greenport.

"The 'Raise Our Forks' Potluck Series is meant to celebrate the bounty of our communities — our people, our food and natural resources — and raise all up together," Rudder said.

Guests were invited to share a favorite spring dish and prepare it for eight, with local ingredients, if possible.

"Come, share well, eat well — neighbor to neighbor," she said.

The concept is simple but life-affirming: "Throw open the doors, gather together people and food and just be with one another for an evening. Whomever comes, we have been waiting for you. Everyone has something wonderful to offer just by being there," Rudder said.

While everyone, and all foods, are welcomed, plant-based dishes are very much the focal point as Rudder said she aims to cast light on both the great wealth of what is grown on the East End — as well as on who grows it, and in how many ways the bounty nourishes.

"Our Forks are Mother Nature's gift to us to honor, protect and respect," she said. "Also what we put on our fork has tremendous power to nourish, heal and communicate. It is very powerful."

Rudder has a vision for the project.

"My dream is to take this potluck to a farm, the beach, to the streets and really create a 'great community table,' " she said.

Rev. Roger Joslin of Holy Trinity Church in Greenport is Rudder's neighbor and when she shared her dream with him, as well as her need for a space to host the event, his response was immediate: "Yes, yes, yes, yes," she said. "He is wonderful and has a great garden food project of his own, Common Ground. We are a good team in this and I am very grateful for all his support."

The potlucks are free, non-denominational and "neighbor to neighbor," she said.

Recently, Rudder shed light on a new project that's long been near the top of her bucket list — to create a Little Free Pantry for those in need.

"It's just the neighborly thing to do," Rudder said — a place where those in need can go help themselves to donated essentials.

Rudder asked her neighbor, former Greenport Village Mayor David Nyce, for help. "He is building this for me, improving on it a bit and as neighbors, we can soon open up this first Free Little Pantry," she said.

Rudder said the idea was born because she has a background in food and nutrition and is deeply interested in food justice, food waste, food insecurity — anything community and food related.

"I read about it awhile ago and thought, 'Wow! Bucket List!' This project addresses 'Minding The Gap,' which had kept me up at night wondering how I can help. It is a perfect fit. No waiting on legislation or policy change — just do it."

The first pantry will be located in Greenport, where Rudder lives, although an exact site has not yet been disclosed. She said she also has her eye on several additional sites.

The design needed some tweaks for the use and weather in Greenport to be "neighborhood" appropriate, and Rudder said she is thankful for Nyce's help. "His skills and generosity are a perfect fit," she said.

Her hope, Rudder said, is to stock the pantry with foods that are "thoughtful and nourishing, delicious and as high quality as possible. Share what you would like to eat. Most will have to be non-perishable; the next project on my Bucket List will address perishables," she said.

But certainly, some fresh items in season will be appreciated, Rudder said.

"Again, the concept here is 'neighbor to neighbor,' " she said.

Household items such as toilet paper, diapers, feminine hygiene products, shampoo, pet food and children's items will be accepted. No clothes, no alcohol and nothing sharp will be allowed.

Rudder said she plans to stock most of the first one and there will be a suggested stock list posted inside.

"I have had offers to help me, and I'm so very grateful. Yes, please. I feel we will have a great group of pantry partners and pals in no time. The concept is 'give and take' and so stocking will also be of an organic flavor," Rudder said.

Anyone can donate at any time and most all donations are covered by the Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act of 1996, she said.

Anyone will be welcome to use the pantry. "Hunger is a 24-hour resident in every county in the U.S. The majority who are food insecure do not live in poverty. They are in The Gap. Hunger hides itself well, creates shame and embarrassment and has a devastating effect, especially on children and seniors. Well, this Pantry is a beginning — food justice is now being served. It is a safety net, dissolves all boundaries, gives anyone the opportunity to know their neighbors have something for them 24/7, no matter what, no questions asked," Rudder said.

Rudder, a grandmother with a 6-year-old grandson in Greenport and a 6-year-old granddaughter in Brooklyn — her mom also lives in Greenport, unifying four generations — feels is it important to help those in need.

"We are all human beings and in this life together. I feel the very essence, the core of who we are is our connection to each other, our shared humanity and to help each other secure the basics. One of the great beauties of this project is that it does dissolve boundaries. It gives everyone a chance to give and take, to be part of the solution."

She hopes to lead by example, imbuing lessons through action. "Both grandchildren know of my deep love of Mother Earth and are becoming great protectors of Her resources," Rudder said. "People are our most precious resource and I want them to know that, and especially that we live in a world of loving support."

There are many creative, resourceful ways to find solutions to problems and the present time is the perfect time for individuals to show up and help, Rudder said.

With an eye toward instilling the will to give back at an early age, the Pantry will foster an open-hearted, open-armed care and concern for others and there will be a label on one section, 'Children's Cubbie,' so they feel their impact is more direct, a perfect spot for children to give and take treats, crayons and more for each other."

The goal is to "plant" the Pantry by the end of April and mark the day with a celebration.

The Pantry will be painted, to add creative artists to the mix, she said.

According to The Little Free Pantry website, the concept was born as "a grassroots, crowdsourced solution to immediate and local need. Whether a need for food or a need to give, the Little Free Pantry facilitates neighbors helping neighbors, building community."

And, said Jessica McClard, founder, "The Little Free Pantry movement is important because it re-centers food insecurity in the community, raising awareness of local need. It is important because it asks us to practice trust and compassion. Finally, Little Free Pantry is important because it creates space for giving at any level."

Rudder said she's excited to see a vision realized. "It's a dream come true — and many more to follow. Neighbors helping neighbors helping neighbors."

Patch photos courtesy Penelope Rudder.