City Seed endeavors to support a "just food system". They do that through their Farmers Markets in New Haven, which are designed to remove barriers to access to nutritious food. Their Sanctuary Kitchen project bolsters another objective -- encouraging fairness and participation in the entrepreneurial aspects of food business.
As I understand Sanctuary Kitchen, they offer fair wage employment opportunities in a food catering and grab and go type business to immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers. I believe these people are encouraged to help expose people to world cuisines that are meaningful to them. You can order food for pickup at designated times. You can also buy the food at the Farmers Markets.
I recently visited the Sunday City Seed Market at Edgewood Park near the Westville neighborhood of New Haven. There were a variety of foods. I grabbed a tasty hunmus and a box of the donut style falafel. Both good. But I was really intrigued by the Iraqi food offerings because I haven't knowingly had Iraqi food. I bought Iraqi Carrot and Dill rice, Iraqi Lentil Soup and Iraqi Vegetable Curry Soup. Since I'm not experienced in Iraqi cuisine, I can't speak to authenticity or make a comparative quality analysis. The food seemed nutrient rich. I'm not sure if this a cultural thing or the preference of the individual cook, I think the food needed a bit more salt across the board. Also, in terms of texture, the rice was good, but the soups seemed a bit overcooked and had a softer texture than I would expect.
I was happy to have a chance to try these foods and I applaud the mission of City Seed.
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