This Sunday, July 5, as the formal festivities and sparkly spectacles of Independence Day fade, Americans across the country will gather in church lawns, community parks, and town squares for a simple but time-tested tradition: the potluck.
In commemoration of America’s 250th — the anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776 — the nationwide America’s Potluck event invites communities to host a shared meal. These gatherings are an opportunity for neighbors to join together, get to know one another, and build connections across difference in their communities.
“You get people together to share food and share stories, and it’s just magical,” said Karl Schatz, the founder of another America’s Potluck partner, a Maine-based nonprofit called Community Plate that brings people together to share stories and meals through free community events.
As preparations for these events are underway, IA is connected with five potluck hosts from across the country. Organizers shared how the American values of neighborliness, civic responsibility, and pluralism are even more personal when localized.
America 250 Potluck Celebration, Millcreek, UT
At this potluck, co-hosted by the Emerald Hills Institute and the Salt Lake Interfaith Roundtable, neighbors in the Salt Lake City area will gather across religious differences to honor America’s anniversary with food and friendship.
“[W]hen we break bread together as a multi-faith family, we strengthen the social fabric of our entire state and prove that there is always a seat at the table for everyone,” said co-organizer and Emerald Hills Institute Chairwoman, Zeynep Kariparduç.
What’s on the menu?
Ashure, or Noah’s pudding, a traditional Turkish dessert that symbolizes unity, peace, and gratitude.
Alton Community Potluck, Alton, MO
In Alton, a small town in the Missouri Ozarks, residents and neighboring townsfolk will gather at their courthouse square for food, fellowship, and patriotic music.
“What I’m looking forward to about this event is talking with my neighbors. For too long, we have separated ourselves. That time is over. We need to talk and trust again,” said Jennifer Thomas, an Alton resident.
What’s on the menu?
Jennifer’s homemade cookies & “Ham-It-Up” Spaghetti
The Foundry Church Potluck, Wallingford, PA
The Foundry Church is a neighborhood congregation located in a bedroom community near Chester, PA, just southwest of Philadelphia. This Christian church, which runs a food pantry and weekly open mic and community meals, typically hosts a street party with nearby neighbors for the Fourth of July. This year, they’ll host a potluck on the 5th, bringing community members together with food, music, a bounce house, and games for kids.
“When people talk and people meet [and] people break bread, there’s a way of disarming and finding what we agree on, and that’s a huge key,” said Foundry senior pastor, the Rev. Chuck Kieffer.
What’s on the menu?
Burgers and franks, three kinds of potato salad, vegan three-bean chili, homemade desserts, and Pastor Kieffer’s West Texas Pea Salad.
The Great American Potluck, Allentown, NJ
As a part of The Allentown Village Initiative’s (TAVI) programming in celebration of America’s 250th, the organization is hosting a July 5 potluck for neighbors and surrounding community members. The event will take place at the Allentown United Methodist Church and will feature old-fashioned lawn games, patriotic sing-alongs, and food.
Denise Erb, a TAVI Trustee, is hopeful that this event will help break through the political divides that often surface in small-town affairs. “When people get together and actually talk, you can reach across the table,” she said.
What’s on the menu?
Tea and lemonade, Denise’s famous potato salad
St. Timothy Episcopal Church Potluck, Raleigh, NC
Inspired by St. Timothy’s multi-ethnic, multi-racial, and multi-national congregation, this July 5 potluck will bring together church and community members for an afternoon of delicious food, fellowship, and fun lawn games after lunch. The gathering is also an opportunity to honor the history of Episcopal leaders in the founding of the United States.
“A shared meal is a chance to learn and grow,” said St. Timohty communications coordinator Matty Alexander. “Each opportunity we have to break bread with each other gives us a glimpse into a set of dishes that we possibly have never experienced before. New recipes bring new friendships.”
What’s on the menu?
Flavors and cuisine from around the world, with parishioners from the Caribbean, Europe, West Africa, and Asia – and macaroni and cheese!
Learn more about Interfaith America’s involvement with America’s Potluck and explore tips for hosting your own with our Potluck Toolkit.
