More time for meals that matter
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Potluck:
The Social Experiment
We're so excited that you're excited enough to be here!
Welcome to the Binding Agents x Potluck pilot — a neighborhood-sized experiment in shared care. We’re testing a simple idea: can meal swaps give us more time, more connection, and a little less stress?
By joining, you’re helping shape what Potluck becomes. Your feedback will help us understand what’s helpful, what’s not, and what needs to change before we bring this to more neighborhoods and families.
Here's how we're going to do it!
Join the Experiment
Sign up to participate in our experiment, and Potluck will match you with another participant based on your responses to a few simple criteria.
Cook & Swap
For 4–6 weeks, you’ll double one meal you’re already planning to make and swap it with your Potluck match. It’s a simple rhythm to reduce mental load, share care, and bring connection into your kitchen.
Tell us about it!
After your swap, we’d love your reflections! You’ll get a short survey, and we will invite you for a casual 30-minute chat to go deeper into what worked (and what didn’t) around food prep and community connection.
Still wondering if you should join the Potluck?
01.
Cook once, care twice: Make one meal, feed two families. Our model transforms solo meal prep into a shared ritual — freeing up time for what fills you back up.
02.
Pair nourishment with neighborliness: Every swap is a chance to nourish yourself and connect with someone local — maybe even over your favorite cookbook. Food builds trust faster than small talk.
03.
Add a new ingredient to your food story: What if sharing a dish became part of your weekly rhythm? Potluck helps weave meaningful exchange into the real life of feeding your people — and makes you feel less alone doing it.
04.
Support community care, not burnout: Meal trains end. Real life keeps going. This is a new kind of infrastructure — one that lets us sustain each other after the casseroles stop showing up.
05.
Make meals with meaning, not just effort: Potluck is women-founded, Philly-grown, and built for those of us carrying the daily weight of invisible labor. Every swap is a small act of resistance — and love.
Here are some reasons we think it's worthwhile:
Important Dates
September 8th
Last day to sign up to participate
September 21st
Join us to meet your Potluck match during a mixer at Binding Agents from 4-6PM!
Week of September 22nd
Potluck experiment begins
Week of October 27th
Potluck experiment ends
Week of October 27th through November 8th
Surveys are distributed and interviews are scheduled
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Potluck pilot?
The Potluck pilot is a community-driven meal-sharing experiment designed to make meal prep easier, build connections, and reduce stress. Participants will simply cook one extra portion of a meal they’re already planning to make, and swap it with someone else in the Binding Agents community.
Is it free to participate in?
Yes, the Potluck Pilot is completely free to participate in. We only ask that you sign up though if you are committed to following through with the experiment as this is about building community with others. If you do sign up and are unable to participate, we ask that you let us know as soon as possible so we can try to find a new match for your original Potluck match.
What kind of meals should I cook?
We suggest meals that are family-friendly, fridge-friendly, and easy to share (think: soups, stews, baked pasta, stir-fries — anything you might find in your favorite cookbook!). We’ll provide a planning tip sheet, and matches will be based on dietary preferences specified in the sign up form.
What if I have dietary restrictions or allergies?
You’ll have the opportunity to share any dietary restrictions or allergies when signing up. We’ll take this into account when pairing you with a match. However, if you have severe allergies or serious food restrictions, please use your best judgement on whether this initial pilot experiment is right for you/your family. In the future we hope to build a solution that is accommodating and inclusive to all!
What happens if I can’t participate after signing up?
Life happens! If your circumstances change and you need to withdraw, please email us at info at joinpotluck dot app as soon as possible so we can make the necessary adjustments to the matches.
Who do I contact if I have more questions?
You can reach out to us anytime at info at joinpotluck dot app, and we’ll be happy to assist you.
How does the pilot work?
Once you sign up, we’ll match you with another participant based on the preferences and details you provide. Each week, for 4-6 weeks starting in September 2025, you’ll prepare a batch meal and meet at a public location in the area to swap meals with your match.
Binding Agents will serve as an optional swap spot during store hours.
Who is this experiment for?
This experiment is open to anyone who is willing to participate! Potluck is built on the idea of fostering connection and community through shared meal preparation, and we're excited to welcome participants from all walks of life. That said, there are a few types of people and situations for whom this experiment may work particularly well:
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Busy Parents: Juggling the demands of work and family life, with little time to dedicate to meal prep but eager to share the load with others.
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Time-Crunched Professionals: Professionals with demanding schedules who want a convenient way to enjoy home-cooked meals without spending hours in the kitchen.
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Empty Nesters or Divorcees: Individuals adjusting to life with fewer people at home, looking to build community and reduce the effort of cooking for one or two.
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Food Lovers & Cookbook Clubbers: If you love testing new recipes and talking about food, this is your chance to bring that energy into your neighborhood.
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Sustainability Enthusiasts: Those passionate about sustainability and community engagement, who see Potluck as a way to minimize waste and connect with like-minded neighbors.
If you’re curious and excited to try a new way of sharing meals and connecting with others in your community, this experiment could be a great fit for you!
What is the time commitment like?
That's the beauty of the experiment (we hope!) You’re likely already cooking at least one meal a week for your household. This pilot simply invites you to double that dish and swap with a neighbor — giving you a meal back during the week. It’s a small rhythm that builds connection and ease.
How often do I need to participate?
The pilot runs for 4-6 weeks beginning the week of September 22nd, with one batch meal and swap required per week. If you’re unable to participate for a particular week, just let us know in advance so we can adjust accordingly.
Will I be asked for feedback?
Yes! At the end of the pilot, you’ll complete a brief survey to share your experience. You will also be asked to participate in a 30 minute interview with Potluck's founder to provide more in-depth feedback.