When the delegates to the Second Continental Congress signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776, they likely had no idea that 250 years into the future, their actions would spark a nationwide rush on aluminum foil.
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That’s because on Sunday, July 5, thousands of cooks across Utah and the nation will transport foil-covered casserole dishes, salad bowls and dessert trays to community gatherings for America’s Potluck. The idea is wonderfully simple: bring a dish, pull up a chair and get to know your neighbor.
We can think of no better way to honor the United States’ semiquincentennial than by participating in one of the country’s most enduring traditions: coming together around food. If you haven’t planned a gathering yet, it is not too late to get started.
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While the concept is simple, its power is proven globally.
In the United Kingdom, “The Big Lunch” draws millions of neighbors together every June. In 2022, it served as a centerpiece for Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee, involving more than 17 million people. Similarly, France’s Fête des Voisins (Neighbors Day) sees entire streets blocked to traffic so residents can dine at long, communal tables. Even major U.S. cities like Philadelphia and Chicago leverage the power of a shared meal through massive annual block parties.
No matter where you live on the globe, a shared meal is a catalyst for connection. Community Plate, a nonprofit dedicated to fostering connection through shared meals, found that say potlucks help bring together people with different views, while 80% report feeling less lonely and more connected to their communities.
Food has always been a joyful way for individuals to share their stories and celebrate their roots. For many, the very journey of becoming American is preserved and carried through culinary traditions. Gathering this way allows us to honor our foundational freedoms in a space that feels natural and meaningful.
America’s Potluck began as a Utah initiative, but it has now blossomed into a national movement. It is led by America250 Utah — a commission appointed by Gov. Spencer Cox to commemorate this historic milestone. Today, more than 30 Utah cities — from Alta and Escalante to Heber City and Helper — are planning neighborhood meals. America250 planning commissions in every U.S. state and Puerto Rico also are getting involved.
Participation is entirely customizable. You can host a driveway gathering, plan lunch after church services or join an existing event nearby. You can find planning tools, recipes and a way to share your participation at america250.utah.gov/utahpotluck/.
This is what we know: people may disagree on local issues or vote for different political parties. But when we sit down face to face over a shared meal, we quickly realize just how much more we have in common than what divides us. So call your neighbors, light the grill and enjoy a hamburger in honor of this great country.
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And don’t forget the foil.