#United States #Milwaukie #community spirit #NEIGHBORHOOD #Food Sharing

The Power of Food Sharing: How Cooking and Baking Strengthens Neighborly Bonds

In an age where loneliness is a common experience, a recent survey conducted by Bob's Red Mill highlights the significant impact that sharing food with neighbors can have. According to the findings, over half of Americans (54%) reported baking or cooking for their neighbors in the past year, while a similar percentage (55%) noted that their neighbors had reciprocated the gesture. This data suggests a strong connection between these acts of kindness and feelings of connectedness within communities.

The survey's results indicate that individuals who engage in food-sharing activities are more likely to report feelings of companionship, with 53% of those who share food stating they “never feel lonely.” Moreover, 56% noted that sharing food has fostered stronger relationships in their neighborhoods. This connection is pivotal, particularly as many individuals feel increasingly isolated in today’s fast-paced world.

The Most Neighborly Cities

To further explore the impact of food-sharing, Bob's Red Mill conducted an analysis to determine America's most neighborly large cities based on various food-sharing behaviors. The top cities that emerged from the survey include:

• - Seattle
• - Dallas Fort-Worth
• - Los Angeles
• - New York
• - Boston
• - Phoenix
• - Philadelphia
• - Atlanta

These cities exemplify the spirit of community and highlight the potential for others to foster similar connections through sharing food and engaging with their neighbors.

Introducing the Moregetherness Movement

In light of the survey findings, Bob's Red Mill is excited to launch the 'Moregetherness' movement, intended to inspire people to connect more with their communities through food. This multifaceted campaign seeks to promote the notion that shared meals can bridge gaps, reduce loneliness, and create lasting relationships. Allyson Borozan, Chief Growth Officer at Bob's Red Mill, emphasized, "Food is a powerful way to strengthen relationships and build community. By embracing Moregetherness, we can encourage parties, gatherings, and simple acts of kindness that can help foster those connections."

To amplify these messages, Bob's Red Mill has partnered with Erin and Ben Napier, well-known stars of HGTV's Home Town. They advocate for community-building through cooking, with Erin stating, "I usually end up staying to chat and catch up; it only takes a few minutes, but those little touchpoints are what help knit a community together." Their outreach efforts aim to encourage others to make those small but significant gestures that can lead to a stronger intersection of communal relationships.

The Impact of Sharing Food

The survey highlights several insights regarding the behaviors associated with food-sharing:

• - Approximately 87% of Americans would share food items with neighbors if asked, indicating a readiness to engage in altruistic behaviors.
• - Individuals sharing food (54% give, 55% receive) report significantly lower levels of loneliness, particularly among those who seldom feel isolated from others (53%).
• - Simple actions, such as greeting new neighbors, can lay the foundation for enduring bonds; 78% of those who do this feel more likely to stay in touch regularly.
• - Welcoming gestures such as receiving food upon moving in correlates with feeling welcomed and, consequently, less lonely (76%).
• - Across diverse backgrounds, 69% of those who identify as rarely lonely report receiving food from new neighbors, suggesting that food-sharing traditions transcend generations and cultures.

Food items, particularly baked goods, are a popular choice for these neighborhood exchanges, with cookies (62%), brownies (31%), and cakes (30%) leading the list of items typically gifted to new neighbors.

Celebrating National Good Neighbor Day

In alignment with the goal of enhancing community connections, Bob's Red Mill encourages participation in National Good Neighbor Day on September 28. Established by President Jimmy Carter in 1978, this day serves as an opportunity to recognize the importance of fostering understanding and strong community ties. Small acts, such as inviting neighbors over for pizza or delivering fresh baked goods, can make a substantial difference. To facilitate these activities, Bob's Red Mill will offer a coupon starting September 23, redeemable for one free product, to encourage sharing food within neighborhoods.

As Bob's Red Mill continues its mission to bring people together through delicious, wholesome food, the Moregetherness initiative aims to create connections and combat loneliness, one meal at a time.