There's a place that has inspired me on this topic ... the SAME Café in Denver, Colo. The SAME Café (SAME standing for So All May Eat) was founded about five years ago by Brad and Libby Birky, a couple from Illinois. As they articulate on their Web site, through volunteering at food banks and shelters, they "saw a growing number of people who needed assistance: hardworking single moms, the elderly who cannot retire, the educated and the uneducated. Some even work 40 hours a week on minimum wage and cannot make ends meet." The Birkys also saw that eating at soup kitchens or shelters often isn't a very healthy, dignified or hospitable experience. So they started something different to bring people together around healthy food.

The SAME Café is a delightful café near Denver's downtown. I visited it when I was in Denver a few years ago with a Spring Break Service Immersion group of college students. If you or I were walking down the street, we might say "Oh, that looks like a cute place. Let's have lunch there." But when we walk through the door we would notice something different. The menu is written on a simple board on the front counter -- it changes daily and typically includes a type of soup, salad, pizza and cookie. They try to use local and organic ingredients as much as possible and offer gluten free, sugar free and vegetarian options. None of these are the most significant differences, though ... there are no prices. No Prices. There is a money box on the counter and you are encouraged to leave what you can (if anything), what you thought your meal was worth, or more to pay for someone else, if you are able. People are also encouraged to help out -- stay and make the next pizza or batch of cookies, sweep the floor, or wipe tables. And so far it seems to be working. Thousands of people are being fed healthy, fresh food in a dignified manner, and communities are coming together regardless of "having" or "not having." 

And the Birkys aren't the only folks putting forward a fresh way of doing things. There are cafes like this around the country (see the One World site for a list). And there are CSA's, urban gardens, and compost collectors who are similarly creating food systems that support local growers and bring local and sustainable food to all. Check out places like Growing Power in Milwaukee, Wis., and Chicago, Ill., Menlo Farms in Tucson, Ariz., Common Good City Farm in Washington, D.C., Earthworks Urban Farm in Detroit, Mich., and growingSOUL in Montgomery Country, Md.  

I wonder what St. Benedict would think of these places? If I had to make a guess, I think he would be pleased that people are paying attention to and making decisions that care for all members of a community -- that's the Benedictine way. 

I also wonder what thoughts Benedict would have for how to do this better here in St. Joseph, Minn., specifically at Common Ground Garden. What do you think? Let me know. I look forward to hearing from you.