WHAT: Rice & Beans Workshop
WHEN: Saturday, October 24, 2026 10:30-5:30
WHERE: Monroe County Public Library - Southwest Branch, 890 W Gordon Pike, Bloomington, IN 47404
COST: FREE
We will be making rice & beans from scratch, feeding participants, and sending people home with food at the end of the day. We have one recipe so far, kindly provided by the good folks at Los Potrillos at 120 E 7th St in Bloomington. We will do at least one more recipe, a vegan gluten-free offering, to meet the broadest possible dietary restrictions.The bulk of our ingredients for this event are being donated by Pantry 279. The event is free and open to the public.
The library requires all participants to sign a waiver and firmly restricts the room to no more than 24 people in the space at a time. Therefore, if you want a guaranteed spot, you must do the following: (1) email me at twestgard@gmail.com saying that you want a spot, and (2) be at the library at 10:30am on 10/24/2026. In the unlikely event we have an overwhelming response, participants who are present in line will be accepted in the chronological order of the email they sent. However, even if you do not make a reservation, please know that our events do not usually fill up, and if people come and go from the event, I will be allowing more people into the room as spots open up. So chances are, if you just show up, likely there will be space for you.
Children are welcome to participate so long as they are accompanied by an adult. Please be aware that we will be in a large busy kitchen with hazards such as hot stoves, boiling water, and knives, so you will need to help your child navigate those hazards in an age-appropriate manner.
The library facilities are highly accommodating for people with disabilities, and there are many different tasks needed to complete the food, so don't let a disability prevent you from attending. I'm confident we can find a way to include you, whatever your condition or skill level.
You are not obligated to bring anything, but if you bring a container it may be easier to carry food when you leave. Otherwise we will have some plastic ziplock bags on hand.
Our prior events in the Teaching Kitchen have been very social and fun. There's something about preparing food alongside other people that creates a good mood and camaraderie, so please join us and share a meal!