Free Weekly Vegetarian Feast at the Co-op

By:       Matthew Nolder

            Senior Kinesiology Major

            SPH Student Ambassador

This past Thursday, April 18th, I attended the free vegetarian feast from 7-9 pm in the Maryland Food Collective (the Co-op) on the ground floor of the Stamp Student Union. While the feast, which is held weekly, is located in the Co-op, it is put on by the University of Maryland Bhakti Yoga Club. It is open to everyone, members and non-members alike.

A photo of the Co-op Courtesy
of the Stamp Student Union

As a second semester senior here at Maryland, I thought I pretty much knew everywhere on campus to get a free meal when I needed one. I, however, had never heard of this event before, even though it has been going on for years.

When I first walked into the Stamp Student Union at about 6:30 pm, I walked downstairs to the Co-op to see what was going on. I had no idea how the whole event worked, so I wanted to get there early. At first there was no one there, but shortly after, at around 6:40 pm, a line formed at the door. At first it was just a few people, so I joined. Then, within a matter of minutes, the line was going all the way to the doors leading outside. I had no idea that this event had such a large draw to it.

While waiting in line, I had absolutely no idea what I was going to be served, but I was open to anything--let’s be serious who turns down a free meal. When the doors finally opened and I went through the buffet line, I was presented with white rice, black beans served in an unfamiliar sauce, and what tasted like cornbread for dessert. As I walked to the eating area across from the Co-op, I was excited to dig in and see how everything tasted. It was all fantastic; I enjoyed it so much I went back for seconds.

For anyone who is not terribly interested in the meal I ate, I would still recommend going to the free vegetarian feast. Other people in line told me that they try to serve different foods each week; who knows what you may get.

I highly recommend attending this feast to anyone looking to experience new foods or to simply get a delicious free meal.