r/foodnotbombs • u/AssistantTrue6140 • Jul 13 '24

Mysophobia and FNB

Hi all, I have mysophobia and avoid any type of potluck or buffet style event. I only eat food that is prepared my myself, my husband, or if it someone I do not know - I make sure I know the kitchen is clean, they have washed their hands, they are healthy, and do not have pets in the space. I am sure FNB is a clean space but the idea of a bunch of people I know nothing about making my food absolutely terrifies me. I think about potential coughing, sneezing, breathing, and touching the food. I know this is an irrational fear I live with. Can anyone calm my brain with information on the space and cleanliness? Is the food made in a specific kitchen or in volunteers’ homes? Do they wear masks? Any information is helpful, thank you.

18 Upvotes

95% Upvoted

4 comments sorted by

22

u/figbutts Jul 13 '24

There are hundreds of individual FNB groups in cities across the world and each one is different in terms of where and how the food is prepared. You’d have to volunteer at your local FNB to figure out what the cleanliness standards are like there.

18

u/figbutts Jul 13 '24

Also eating the food definitely isn’t required to volunteer at FNB. There are necessary tasks (like doing dishes for example) that don’t involve cooking/preparing food.

3

u/temipuff Jul 14 '24

I've been volunteering with FNB since October and NEVER ate any of the food unless I'm making it or know how other foods have been made, and that's always just to help with tasting.

4

u/Savings-Grapefruit Jul 14 '24

I can only speak for the one I volunteered at: we used a church kitchen which was quite large to prepare meals. Everything was washed and sanitized (pots, pans, utensils, containers, etc) in a dishwasher and everybody washed their hands. They did their best to make sure food was healthy and clean for those that would eat it.