Allan Appel Photo
Chef Matt has a vegetarian slice at Occupy New Haven.
In the food tent at Occupy New Haven, with a stern culinary eye, Chef Matt gave his vegetarian slice a thumbs up.
An “Occu-pies” tradition began at Occupy Wall Street in New York, whereby anonymous donors buy pizza for the occupiers and in the process give local eateries good business. The tradition arrived in New Haven Wednesday night to fuel the encampment of anti-corporate and pro-economic justice demonstrators who began “occupying” the upper Green on Oct. 15.
Shortly before Occupy New Haven’s “general assembly” meeting at 6 p.m., Mediterranea Cafe on Orange Street delivered 12 boxes, all large vegetarian pies.
The donors were anonymous, said Sarah, one of the food tent operatives. (Like many residents of the encampment, Sarah preferred not to call attention to herself by giving her last name, she said.)
By 7:15 p.m., all but one box had been eaten with, by all accounts, good reviews.
No vote was taken as to whether a helmet was required in order to eat the pizza.
Sarah said the deliverers assured her that before the Sunday general assembly, another delivery of pizzas would arrive.
Rev. John Gage of the United Church on the Green said he was delighted that the Occupy Wall Street tradition had finally arrived in New Haven.
“We’re working with local church groups for a hot meal to be delivered before each general assembly,” he said.
For the second time, Wednesday’s general assembly was held in the basement of the United Church on the Green. About 40 people were in attendance.
Back at the food tent Sarah said she hopes the next delivery might be half vegetarian, half meatier stuff.
“There are carnivores among us,” she noted.
We did have up to 80 people at the GA last night!