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 batch cook 1-2 meals you were already planning for the week. You’ll then meet up with your Potluck match to swap your extra meals, helping to build community while reducing the mental load of meal planning.
Tell us about it!
After your swap, we’d love your feedback! You’ll receive a short survey to share your thoughts on the experience, and we may reach out for a brief chat to dive deeper into your specific challenges with meal planning and preparation.
Here’s why caregivers like you are joining the Potluck:
01.
Reduce decision fatigue. One less dinner to plan = more space in your brain (and your calendar).
02.
Cook once, eat twice. Share a home-cooked dish and get one in return—no spreadsheets, no group threads.
03.
Feel supported. The invisible labor of meals becomes visible, shared, and acknowledged.
04.
Talk about what really matters. Food is just the beginning. Potluck builds trust and community, one bite at a time.
05.
Support a small women-owned business. Potluck is built by and for caregivers. Every sign-up helps shape what shared care can look like at scale.
Here’s what makes it worth showing up for (even if you’re exhausted).
Important Dates
September 30
Last day to sign up to participate
Early October
Join us to meet your Potluck match. Details to come.
October 19th
Potluck experiment begins
November 30th
Potluck experiment ends
November 30th
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 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.
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.
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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A mom who’s tired of doing dinner solo every night
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A caregiver balancing mealtime with everything else
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A single parent seeking practical support and connection
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A person who wants to receive help without guilt
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A curious cook, not a perfectionist (simple sheetpan dinners count!)
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Someone craving something nourishing—emotionally or otherwise
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!) 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.
How often do I need to participate?
The pilot runs for 4-6 weeks beginning the week of October 19th, 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.
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 the week of October 19th 2025, you’ll prepare a batch meal and meet at a public location in the area to swap meals with your match.
What if I hate cooking?
Great—you’re still welcome. Many participants are using this to get out of a food rut or just want help with one meal a week. You don’t need to be a chef. You just need to be kind.
What kind of meals should I cook?
We encourage you to prepare meals that are family-friendly and easy to transport (think 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.
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?
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.
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.