Food banks, food drives, and other mutual aid resources have long provided much-needed nonperishable goods for food-insecure newcomers to the U.S., but spices - the ingredients that provide heat, flavor, and familiarity to a meal - often slip under the radar. To address this gap, the International Institute of St. Louis – a local organization working with immigrants and refugees – is joining local grocer Global Foods Market to host its second annual spice drive for those facing food insecurity. For the next month, shoppers can purchase spices from Global Foods Market or United Provisions, another international grocer, to donate to the drive and the two retailers will match the donations. Last year’s drive collected nearly 30 pounds of spices. With the matching donations, a total of 600 jars of spices were given to people facing food insecurity in St. Louis. “Eating together allows for community and family to experience the joy of human connection and nourishment for the body. Immigrants and refugees need this as much, perhaps more, than anyone as they create their new norms in America,” said Michelle Ness, executive director of PRISM Food Shelf.

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