Two years ago in August, Prince Edward County residents were invited to feast in Benson Park on a Monday afternoon as part of a Feast! a free food festival.

This Sunday, Feast! is returning, but with a twist. Christine Renaud, one of the organizers with Food Not Bombs who developed the vision last time around said the event didn’t receive the benefit of a grant, like the local Awesome Foundation chapter gave in 2016, but a supporter did come forward to help reprise the party.

“Food Not Bombs has been fortunate to receive funds from food stylist Ruth Gangbar, who offered her talents to local food producers and donated the money from the sessions to us,” Renaud explained. “We’re using the funds to host a really big free meal and provide what’s needed to make this a fun family day in the park, but we’re also asking the community members who can to get involved by contributing to the potluck meal.”

Renaud said often people with gardens grow more food than they can eat themselves, so just like the original Feast! there will be an opportunity for people to share their excess foods with others in the community.

“It’s a great feeling to share the bounty and it’s going to be a great day of community building,” Renaud said.

In Feast! tradition, in addition to the Share The Bounty table, there will also be a cookbook swap, children’s games and activities, and more. DJ Ombudsman (Hri Neil) will be providing music as well.

Blankets will be available for attendees to sit on, but people are encouraged to bring their own blankets and chairs, as well as dishes and cutlery if desired.

The meal is from noon to 3 p.m. Anyone interested in contributing to the potluck dinner or help with the meal is asked to e-mail pec.foodnotbombs @gmailcom or visit the group’s Facebook page.

Renaud said the idea for Feast! is the same as in 2016, “to celebrate our harvest in community, enjoy free food, have fun, and get to know each other.”

-Staff