Now Serving, a cookbook shop in Los Angeles, has launched an initiative called Friends of the Shop, aimed at replacing cookbooks lost in recent wildfires. The initiative encourages customers to buy specific cookbooks requested by fire victims, providing a small sense of familiarity and comfort. Co-owner Michelle Mungcal emphasizes the emotional connection to cookbooks and the importance of helping individuals build a sense of home again. This fundraising effort joins other culinary community initiatives assisting those affected by the fires.
"[It's] hearing the stories of how they're attached to [a cookbook] or what it means to them, and just being able to give them a little piece of something that feels familiar," says Michelle Mungcal.
"We'll never be able to replace whatever edition of 'The Joy of Cooking' your dad gave you, but if you can see that on your shelf and it makes you think of that, it means something."
Mungcal says that Now Serving has seen multiple customers shopping to replace lost cookbook collections; this upcoming series of fundraisers and donation drives might help survivors 'build a sense of home' no matter what their current home might look like.
The cookbook shop is joining other members of L.A.'s culinary community in helping those affected by the fires. Authors, chefs, and food writers have hosted events and giveaways.
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