Potluck:
The Social Experiment

The Potluck pilot is a community-driven meal-sharing experiment designed to make meal prep easier, build connections, and reduce stress. Participants will cook an extra batch of one to two meals per week they were already planning on making and swap it with another member of the community.

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.

We encourage you to prepare meals that are family-friendly and easy to transport (think hearty winter soups & casseroles!) We'll provide a tip sheet to help you plan and prepare your meals and we'll be matching folks based on their dietary requirements.

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!

If your circumstances change and you’re unable to participate, please email us at info at joinpotluck dot app as soon as possible so we can make the necessary adjustments to the matches.

You can reach out to us anytime at info at joinpotluck dot app, and we’ll be happy to assist you.

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 January 2025, you’ll prepare a batch meal and meet at a public location in the area to swap meals with your match.

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:

• 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.

• Time-Crunched Professionals: Professionals with demanding schedules who want a convenient way to enjoy home-cooked meals without spending hours in the kitchen.

• 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.

• 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!

That's the beauty of the experiment (we hope!) Chances are, you are already preparing at least one meal for your family each week. By batch cooking that same meal and swapping with another family, the idea is that you get some of that time back during the busy weeknights. While we expect there may be some unexpected findings, we are anticipating this will actually give participants more time back in their days, and will add value by fostering a greater sense of connection and trust among our community.

The pilot runs for 4-6 weeks beginning the week of January 26th, 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.

Yes! At the end of the pilot, you’ll complete a brief survey to share your experience. If you’re interested, you may also participate in a one-on-one interview to provide more in-depth feedback.