Why the Surgeon General Advocates for Potlucks

I found this article titled “A New Campaign Against Loneliness Starts With a Potluck”

I’m sharing this blog because I’ve successfully created a monthly neighborhood potluck from a yoga class I teach at our farm. It’s been very successful, with 163 members in our WhatsApp group chat and growing!

I am happy to share a new initiative led by the U.S. Surgeon General, Vivek H. Murthy, to combat loneliness and social isolation through community potlucks. The campaign, called “Recipes for Connection,” encourages people to gather and share meals as a way to build connections and strengthen community bonds. The Surgeon General attended a potluck himself to kick off the campaign, highlighting the importance of face-to-face interactions in reducing loneliness.

The Surgeon General’s recent report highlights the dangers of loneliness, citing its impact on mental and physical health. Loneliness can increase the risk of heart disease, depression, and even premature death. In response, the Surgeon General suggests using potlucks as a tool to foster community and build support networks.

Our gatherings in the Redland, Fl encourages our neighbors to step away from their screens and their daily routine and engage in genuine, face-to-face interactions.

We share our feelings, our passions, our discoveries, and our love. We support each other through hardships and so much more.

Here is the introduction of our group:

“Building communities where people feel safe & loved is the key to moving our nation forward. We will come together to make this happen.
The healing we desperately need requires relationship building the heart of which is listening to each other. It’s the only way we can have the strongest open & honest dialogues
It starts with neighbors talking to neighbors We come together to get to know each other better to share thoughts, our passion, & to discuss how we can all work together to heal our community & our world!”

I do believe this is how we will get our communities together and love for each other. Every community should have one. The government could even contribute by helping to find and fund locations. (I am working on that)

Recipes for

Connection

A New Campaign Against Loneliness Starts with a Potluck
Is a New York Times article also on the Surgeon General’s “Recipes for Connection” and building connection through gathering.

Following on the Surgeon General’s advisory, “Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation,” “Recipes for Connection” is a tool to help strengthen our connections. Research show that connection can lead to better health and well-being-it protects us against serious issues like heart disease, stroke, dementia, and depression.

The playful booklet provides inspiration for diverse and creative forms of gathering and connection-building, one bite at a time. This is a helpful tool I can now use to guide my own ideas to help our community gather in love. I cannot wait to dive in. It is designed for printing and sharing.

Download Booklet – PDF

Benefits of Hosting a Potluck

Builds Community: Potlucks offer a chance to meet new people and strengthen existing relationships, helping to create a sense of belonging.
Cost-Effective: Sharing the responsibility of food preparation makes hosting affordable and reduces the stress often associated with planning a large meal.
Cultural Exchange: Potlucks encourage the sharing of diverse dishes, allowing guests to experience new flavors and traditions.
Enhances Well-being: Engaging with others in a relaxed setting can boost mood and reduce feelings of loneliness, supporting mental health.

Let’s make loneliness a thing of the past and foster a sense of community and connection through the joy of shared meals.

Additional Resources

The below links are a sample of additional resources that are user friendly and open to the public and purport to support building social connection through gathering. This is not an exhaustive list. To suggest a resource for inclusion, please use the contact us page of the website.

National Institutes of Health This toolkit by the NIH offers six strategies to help improve your social health. It provides practical tips for building stronger relationships and fostering a sense of belonging in your life.
Block Party USA Block Party USA is an initiative that encourages neighborhoods across the U.S. to host block parties, with the idea that these simple gatherings can build stronger, more resilient communities. The organization provides a how-to guide for organizing block parties as individuals and communities.
Project Gather Project Gather is an initiative to encourage individuals and organizations around the U.S. to gather, connect, and build community over food. They offer resources and nationwide event listings to help people plan, host, and attend food-focused gatherings.
The Family Dinner Project A nonprofit initiative that encourages families to connect through food, fun, and conversation. Their website offers recipes, conversation starters, and games to help make family dinners more engaging.
Priya Parker Priya Parker’s “New Rules of Gathering” provides a framework for transforming gatherings into meaningful experiences by focusing on purpose and connection. The guide offers practical strategies to enhance interactions and foster a sense of community, making every gathering more intentional and impactful.
Belonging Begins With Us This platform provides a list of specific, interest-based ideas to connect with others. Each option on the list is linked to a program or platform you can use to connect based on your interests.