Utah-born 'America's Potluck' invites neighbors nationwide to celebrate together

SALT LAKE CITY — A nationwide initiative invites Americans to gather with their communities and share a meal as part of the America 250 celebrations.

On Sunday, communities across all 50 states and Puerto Rico will host America's Potluck, a first-of-its-kind event encouraging neighbors to share a meal in honor of the nation's 250th anniversary.

The idea was developed by America250 Utah executive director Nicole Handy, who was inspired during a trip to England.

"In England, they have something called the Big Lunch, and they do it as part of the coronation, the Queen's Jubilee, and it's become a yearly thing," Handy said. "We thought Utahns are so good at pot lucking and gathering with their neighbors; this is something we can do as a state to come together in a moment of real unity."

Handy said the commission's vision includes three pillars: educate, engage, and unite.

"Coming together, sharing a meal, breaking bread and really making connections in our community, which is something everyone is really hungry for," Handy said.

Handy said what started as a Utah initiative quickly grew into a nationwide movement as she presented the idea to other state commissions.

"We have potlucks in all 50 states and Puerto Rico happening," Handy said. "It's fun to see how everyone has kind of taken their own angle on that."

In Utah, Handy said nearly 150 municipalities are participating in some way. Some cities are hosting community gatherings in parks, while others are helping residents organize neighborhood block parties.

In Draper, parks have been reserved for multiple potlucks. In Millcreek, the city waived fees to allow residents to close neighborhood streets so families and friends can gather for the event.

In Salt Lake City's Sugar House neighborhood, resident Rod Fisher is organizing a potluck for his neighbors as part of the celebration.

"I'm just proud to be an American," Fisher said. "I've got a flag flying right now."

Fisher said the event is an opportunity to celebrate both the country's history and the people who live nearby.

"The signing of the Declaration of Independence — that's a big deal," he said. "Two hundred fifty years, we're still a very young country, but it all starts with a neighborhood."

Organizers hope the gatherings will do more than fill plates.

"Sometimes it's even more than the recipe — you're bringing yourself to the conversation," Handy said. "Everyone brings something different to the table."

"We all get stronger by knowing more of our neighbors," Fisher said.

The goal is to hold 25,000 potlucks across the country.

Handy said it's not too late to participate. An interactive map on the America250 Utah website has information on neighborhood potlucks.

You can find those details on America250.utah.gov.

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