Funding the I-Collective Belly of the Beast Collab

The I-Collective is seeking your support to open a multi-week collaborative partnership with Belly of the Beast in Northampton, Massachusetts. This first time residency will allow members of the I-Collective to highlight indigenous cuisine in New England over a sustained period of time. The I-Collective is excited to serve the public and looks forward to the  possibility of additional collaborations with BIPOC, (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color), local communities while working from the Northampton base.

The I-Collective stands for four principles: indigenous, inspired, innovative, and independent.

The I-Collective was founded in 2017 as a response to instances of appropriation and commodification of Indigenous cuisines by non-natives. Belly of the Beast also established in 2017 with one of its goals being the nurturing of collaborations of different communities. Both entities are devoted to local, in-season, sustainable agriculture, and presenting nutritious, from scratch food made with love.

We are asking for your support to fund the opening of this endeavor by helping to underwrite the costs of this joint venture which includes keeping Belly of the Beast staff employed at a living wage as well as the new I-Collective members who are joining the staff who have previously been un- and/or under-employed for months; and to ensure that all necessary bills are paid. It is our hope that the sale of the food will cover some of these costs, but from first-hand experience during the first six months of being open during COVID, the owners of Belly of the Beast have witnessed a significant loss of sales volume throughout. Your help can ensure that this unique collaboration is set-up for success in the weeks (and hopefully months) to come.

Recommended giving levels (gifts in any amount are gladly welcomed):

Our employees earn $20/hour and an average shift right now is about 6 hours; by giving $120 you are covering the costs of one employees’ shift.

Currently one month of rent is $2,500; by giving this amount you will ensure a full month of collaboration in this space.

The I-Collective prioritizes people over profits, and we are accountable to our communities not corporations. We aim for balance in our membership and actively recruit and engage people of different tribal backgrounds, gender identity and sexual orientation, age, and career stage.

We are accepting food and other direct donations; please contact Aimee Francaes: eat [at] bellyofthebeastma [dot] com.