Rice & Spice was a slow food movement community located right in the middle of the Heartland. Our goal was to develop fellowship by bridging the gap between local residents and students by inviting them to cook and eat together. Each week we have a different host who leads as chef in creating a 4 course meal based on a theme and we averaged feeding 43 people each week. .

Meeting weekly for 4 years (2009-2013) at The Gaia House Interfaith Center located in Carbondale, Illinois, we invited people from various backgrounds to cook side by side learning the latest recipes in international cuisine while also cultivating friendships by exploring food history.

Gaia House - As a SIUC registered student organization, the Gaia House provides regularly scheduled programs and special events in support of spiritual development, social justice, and ecological sustainability.

Our Local Events - The mission of Rice & Spice is to grow community among people of diverse backgrounds by cooking together. We frequently participate in cooking and food events in town to share this mission with others.

Slow Food Cooking - Created by Carlo Petrini as an alternative to fast food, slow food is an international movement that strives to preserve traditional and regional cuisine by encouraging farming and eating practices characteristic of the local ecosystems.