Building community through food.
Mission
Asian Food Collective is led by volunteers focused on building Pan-Asian/Asian American community. We do this by cooking and eating together.
Vision
Everyone deserves food that feels like home.
Values
Inclusion
We are dedicated to building a diverse Pan-Asian/Asian-American* community. You do not need to identify as Asian to join us; however, Asian Food Collective is an Asian-centered space meant to uplift Asian voices and cuisine.
*In the term “Asian/Asian American” we include many ethnic identities, such as East Asian, Middle Eastern, Pacific Islander, South Asian, Southeast Asian, West Asian as well as folks who are multiracial.
Community Care
We approach our work with love, and we strive to create a compassionate and supportive space. We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds and varying cooking levels, and we firmly believe in learning together both inside and outside of the kitchen.
Solidarity
We stand in solidarity with all oppressed and marginalized groups. We welcome all Black, LGBTQ+, disabled, Indigenous, Latine, and Muslim people to our collective.
Food is political
Food is inherently political. From the ownership and care of crops to the sale or exchange of food, what we eat is subjected to a variety of policies on all levels. Recipes are passed down from generation to generation, imbuing each ingredient in a dish with a rich history and cultural significance. Food is a pervasive part of our lives. The act of eating is not only imperative for daily living but also an avenue for people from all communities to share culture with each other.
Our Programs
Community Cooking
We cook a rotating menu focusing on Asian/Asian-American cuisine every Saturday. All cooking levels are welcome to join. This is a space to cook together, share stories, and eat together. The meals we cook are also donated to South Philadelphia Community Fridge.
Test Kitchen
Occasionally we have Test Kitchens on Thursday evenings. This is a low-stakes, fun way to experiment with new techniques and recipes. A previous test kitchen we hosted involved making boba from scratch!
Have an idea?
We have also hosted group yoga, potlucks, and voter education workshops. Some partners we have worked with include: API PA, Philly Asian Queer, and Ginger Arts Center.
Meet the Steering Committee
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Allysa
she/her
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Aki
she/they
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Hanna
she/her
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Sabrina
she/her
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Yvonne
she/her