Food Swaps are becoming common across the country and involve a group of people gathering and exchanging food items that are homemade or homegrown. I attended the second Indy Food Swap last Saturday, held at a United Methodist Church. Thirty-four participants of us were assigned places at a table to display our items. We were allowed twenty minutes to visit each table and see what each person brought. Then the swap began.
I brought whole wheat biscuits, my "signature item." Others brought salsa, cake pops, cookies, various kinds of soups, cookie mix in a glass jar, lots of jams and jellies, candy apples, wine, and many kinds of breads-- pumpkin, banana, poppy seed. The swap was fun as everyone moved back and forth across the room, quickly filling arms and baskets with treasures.
Simultaneously, in the basement, a large group of homeless people were having a free hot meal of homemade tamales. There was also a table filled with various free things such as books, clothing, shoes, and household items.
As I walked around the old four-story church, I sensed God's presence blessing all of the activity, which God had made possible. Many of the homemade items were filled with vegetables harvested from backyard gardens. Those who prepared the meal and were in conversation with the homeless were gladly responding to Jesus' message to "Love one another as I have loved you."
I left the swap with a bag filled with soup, bread, jelly a few cookies, and a soul renewed with God's presence.
God, there are many places where your people can be fed, physically and spiritually. Thank you for this fun opportunity to experience both. Amen.
Jacquie Reed
Fishers, Indiana
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