Hunger is a problem that is becoming more and more prevalent in cities across the United States. In a survey released last year by the United States Conference of Mayors Task Force on Hunger and Homelessness, it was reported that requests for emergency food assistance increased in 21 of the 25 large cities surveyed. Of those seeking emergency food, 51 percent lived with families and 37 percent were employed. (United States Conference of Mayors Task Force). These findings alone suggest a changing visibility of hunger, where many formerly middle-class families are becoming dependent on food assistance. This change should therefore be addressed by institutions and interventions focused on the issue of hunger. However, in the same report it was found that "In 95 percent of the cities surveyed, food pantries reduced the amount of food each person received and soup kitchens reduced the size of meals." In almost every city, food pantries also limited people's monthly visits. » (United States Conference of Mayors Task Force). As food pantries struggle to meet growing demand due to budget cuts, it may be necessary to approach the issue of hunger differently. One such approach is that taken by Food Not Bombs (FNB). Food Not Bombs was created in Massachusetts in the 1980s by anti-nuclear activists and has since quickly spread across the world. Using food that would otherwise be thrown away, the organization serves free vegetarian meals in public spaces to the homeless, the poor and anyone else in need. What sets Food Not Bombs apart from other hunger relief charities is that it is defined not just as an organization, but also as a social movement with a political identity. This duality is evident in its very name which...... middle of paper ...... CT Lawrence., and Keith McHenry. Food, not bombs. Tucson, Arizona: See Sharp, 2000. Print: “FOOD NOT BOMBS FACE ARREST.” Food, not bombs, risks arrest. Internet. November 26, 2013. Heynen, Nik. Preparing nonviolent direct action of civil disobedience for the hungry: “Food, not bombs” and the resurgence of radical democracy in the United States. Urban Studies Journal Limited, 2010. PDF. Hunger and homelessness survey. Washington DC: United States Conference of Mayors, 2012. PDF. Martin, Brian. Non-violent strategy against capitalism*. Social alternatives, 2009. PDF. Schlueb, Mark. "Mayor Dyer Drops Charges Related to Homeless Feeding Arrests." Orlando Sentinel August 19, 2011. Print."THE FOOD NOT BOMB MOVEMENT." THE FOOD NOT BOMB MOVEMENT. Internet. Nov. 26 2013. Wilson, Amanda D. Beyond the Alternative: Exploring the Potential of Autonomous Food Spaces. Antipode Foundation Ltd., 2012. PDF.