Nuestra Mesa BK

May 21, 2021/Photo by Claude Shein

Though 2020 was saturated with struggle and uncertainty, it also brought about scores of inspiring collective efforts to help those in need. Among them is Nuestra Mesa BK, a local cooperative that has been creating delicious meals for a good cause since late last year. 

“We wanted to use our skill sets to offer an affordable, nourishing, and safe dining experience at a precarious time and also to raise funds for established mutual aid groups,” Nuestra Mesa coordinator Ira Rose-Kim explained. 

The entirely volunteer-run group uses donated fare to create their dishes. They’ve also partnered with other mutual aid collectives to help throw their food-centered fundraisers, including Plants For The People and Community Dialogue NYC. 

Since its inception, the collective has raised over $18,000 for various mutual aid organizations, including Bushwick Ayuda Mutua, Bushwick Emergency Relief Fund and East Brooklyn Mutual Aid. As of late, the primary beneficiary of their efforts Comida Pal Pueblo, an initiative led by three grassroots organizations in Bushwick that connects underserved individuals in the area to food and essential items. 

In the coming months the collective will continue to use culinarily creative ways to raise money for mutual aid efforts.

“We are hoping to make the most of what will surely be a bustling summer to support our community members that are stepping up in the face of ongoing injustices, including those precluding and beyond the COVID-19 crisis,” said Rose-Kim.

More about Nuestra Mesa BK can be found on their website.