Whether it’s within our own communities or through dishes that link us to cultures around the world, food ties us to one another. It connects us with friends and bonds us to family (including loved ones who are no longer able to be at our family table). In this light, food unites us. It does more than simply support our health but nourishes and enhances our sense of community too.
There are ways to build community through food. We can connect with neighbors and community programs or support local growers.
Supporting Local Farms
When we support our local farms we’re doing more than just ensuring we have fresh homegrown foods in our home. A visit to a local grower reminds us of the seasonal produce available in our region, while increasing our awareness of how to maintain local lands. It supports nearby farmers so they can continue their essential work, while building our local economy and community. To find out more about your local growers visit the USDA Local Food Directory website (usdalocalfoodportal.com).
Community Gardens
Along with local farms, community gardens bring people together through the act of growing nutritious food. A simple garden becomes the foundation for sharing produce among gardeners, which then usually extends to others in the community. The simple act of maintaining a garden brings neighbors together to share more than just tips for ensuring an abundant crop, the garden becomes a hub for connection and building partnerships.
Soup Kitchens and Food Pantries
Whether it’s by donating, serving, or making food deliveries to those in need, non-profit soup kitchens and food pantries are the building blocks of a strong community. When we embrace opportunities to volunteer for these organizations, we’re ensuring that our neighbors have nutritious meals. This type of meaningful community service reminds us that a community thrives when we lift each other.
Celebrating culture
We’re reminded just how small the world is when we embrace ethnic recipes and celebrate culture through food. Intentionally incorporate international cuisine into your home as an opportunity to try new flavors and as a teachable moment for young eaters. For inspiration, check out the robust “world flavors” recipe collection on Hannaford.com.
Generational Recipes
Preparing a dish that’s been made year after year, in many different homes, connects generations. There’s something special about family cooking together and making memories in the kitchen. While food is the reason for the connection, it quickly becomes much more. It maintains the spirit of loved ones no longer with us, while ensuring the next generation can continue to pass down recipes and tradition too.
Potluck Meals
Savoring memorable meals with friends is a beautiful way to build bonds through food. It’s even better when friends come around the table with their favorite dishes to create an eclectic potluck meal. Invite friends to bring dishes that are meaningful to them or that tell a story they can share. In this light, food doesn’t just bring friends together, it creates lasting memories and builds friendships.
Cookbook Club
If a traditional book club doesn’t work for you, consider a cookbook club instead. Your club can individually select recipes to prepare for one another and come together to share dishes, along with your impressions and thoughts on the book. It’s a beautiful way to grow your cookbook collection while exploring food with friends.
Meal Prep with Friends
Meal prepping for the week is helpful, but can also be burdensome and make your already-too-short weekend seem even shorter. Instead, turn this task into something to look forward to (and more efficient) by inviting friends over to prep together. Plan to prepare meals alongside one another, resulting in several prepped meals made at once. Your fridge and freezer will be stocked. And a difficult chore will become time to connect with friends.
We’re here to help
Hannaford has a long history of supporting organizations and programs that help keep our local communities healthy and thriving. The Hannaford Dietitian team has helped Hannaford customers make more nutritious choices for over 20 years. Whether it’s through virtual classes, store tours or weekly in-store demonstrations, your Hannaford Dietitians are here for you with meal ideas, grocery lists, healthy eating tips, and more. Hannaford.com/dietitians.
