21 Feb 2013 Rice & Beans Month Kickoff Dinner

Monday, February 18 saw the kickoff meal for 2013’s Rice & Bean Month at the Lahash house in Portland.  About 40 men, women, and children gathered to share a pot luck meal of their favorite rice and beans recipes.  After a great meal of several savory dishes, Lahash media director Casey Schilperoort showed the 2013 Rice & Beans Month video, which highlights how the simple act of changing what you eat can have a major impact in the lives of vulnerable children in East Africa.

Diners dive in to various rice and bean dishes

Later that evening, guests had their chance to create their own artistic masterpieces using the media of — what else — rice and beans. Overall, it was a fantastic evening of community, centered around the ideas of Simplicity, Solidarity, and Sharing. By simply changing your eating habits in the month of March, you can feel a sense of solidarity with children and families in East Africa affected by HIV/AIDS, who eat rice and beans as the staple of every meal. The grocery money you save by eating simply for the month of March can then be shared directly with those we partner with in East Africa.

Artist-in-Residence Talia Holcomb finishes her masterpiece

Lahash invites you to participate in any way you can this March for Rice & Beans Month.  Whether it is an “all-in” of substituting every meal of the month with rice and beans, or if you are only able to participate in a more limited manner, each meal you chose to replace will help give consistent, nutritious meals to those most vulnerable.  Simply keep track of your grocery bill for the month, and whatever you save by eating rice and beans can be donated directly to those in need in East Africa.  It’s an opportunity to become part of something bigger, to live in solidarity with those around the world, and to sacrifice a part of your life to live simply and share greatly.  To sign up to the Rice & Beans Month newsletter, visit www.eatriceandbeans.com. Casey’s video can be viewed here, and you can participate, share, and get some great recipes at our Facebook page.