Bake Sale for Japan

From Giovanna’s Trifles at Culinate by Giovanna Zivny

March 29, 2011

Like many, I found it difficult to imagine how I could help after the earthquake in Japan. And it felt close. My husband travels frequently to Japan on business (he was supposed to fly through Tokyo the day after the quake. He has colleagues there, we have friends there.

Then I read Ruth Reichl’s post, ‘Why Food Matters’, written in response to a twitter upset (it was all resolved very civilly, on both sides).

She writes: “But in the face of ongoing disaster, it is also our moral responsibility to appreciate what we have. That is why cooking good food for the people that I love is so important to me; in a world filled with no, it is a big yes.” And I agree with her.

Here’s a great chance to do just that. Last year, Samin Nosrat had a bake sale in the Bay Area to benefit Haiti earthquake relief, and raised $23,000. This year she’s helping people across the country join in the baking (and donating and eating!). As of today, there are bake sales planned in 18 cities and counting.

One of them is here in Portland. We are excited to join Samin’s nationwide effort by bringing both home bakers and professional bakers together to raise some big money for Peace Winds Japan, a partner of Mercy Corps. On Saturday, April 2, stop by between 10 AM and 2 PM at either Ristretto Roasters, 3808 N Williams, or Barista in the Pearl, 539 NW 13th Ave.

There will be baked goods from home bakers, as well as many Portland professionals and bakeries, including Kim Boyce (‘Good to the Grain’), Alma Chocolate, Fleur de Lis, Little T’s, and many many more. What’s not to love?

For more information about how to help out here in Portland, email pdxbakesale@gmail.com. Elsewhere, check the national Bakesale for Japan website!