For Immediate Release
November 30, 2020
PRESS RELEASE: BERKSHIRES DSA TO OFFER ‘BREAD AND ROSES’ THEMED MUTUAL AID TO LOCAL COMMUNITY
Pittsfield, MA — The Berkshires chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America will offer “Bread and Roses”— shares of food pre-packed with a handmade paper rose—at Pittsfield Common on Saturday, December 12, 1-3 PM.
The distribution event is the culmination of a month-long, countywide food drive launched in response to the increasing need for hunger relief in Berkshire County. Amid the COVID-19 crisis, 15.1% of area residents lack consistent access to food. Berkshires DSA recognizes food insecurity as a complex issue stemming from the lack of affordable housing and tenants’ rights, universal healthcare, racial justice, universal child and eldercare, and guaranteed employment with a living wage.
“As democratic socialists, we affirm the idea that implementing these rights would help to achieve freedom and dignity for all,” said Abby Childs, an organizing member of the Bread and Roses Drive with Berkshires DSA. “The Bread and Roses project addresses some immediate needs while we continue organizing long-term social and economic change.”
A historic rallying call of the American labor movement inspired the project’s theme. In 1912, “Bread for all, and roses too!” united the Lawrence, Massachusetts textile workers who striked for humane working and living conditions. Led by immigrants, most of whom were women, the mass demonstrations sparked poetry and song.
“The right to food is a human right, and we deserve nourishment beyond basic necessities,” said Childs. “We also want to gesture toward beauty and our right to live creatively.”
Each distribution will include shelf-stable food and fresh produce sourced from local purveyors, a leaflet highlighting mutual aid and community resources, and a paper rose made by members of Berkshires DSA. Local purveyors include Hosta Hill, Creature Bread, Markristo Farm, Mi Tierra Tortillas and more.
Donations to this event are being accepted through December 9. Individuals interested in giving nonperishable food can review the list of needed items on the Berkshires DSA website and email berkshirebreadandroses@gmail.com to coordinate a plan for donation pick up or drop off. Money may be donated via Venmo @Berkshires_DSA. Surplus food will be donated to a local pantry after the event.
The DSA is the largest socialist organization in the United States. DSA’s members are building progressive movements for social change while establishing an openly democratic socialist presence in American communities and politics. We believe that working people should run both the economy and society democratically to meet human needs, not to make profits for a few. DSA members use a variety of tactics, from legislation to direct action, in the fight to empower working people.
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