Food is not just about sustenance. It is a social and cultural experience that brings people together. Communal dining, where individuals gather to share a meal, is an excellent way to foster a sense of family and community. Throughout history, this way of consuming food has been an integral part of the human experience. From ancient civilizations to modern-day dining halls, communal dining has always been a way to build relationships, share experiences, and create a sense of belonging. Here are a few ways communal dining can help develop strong bonds between people, along with other benefits.

Creating Family

When we sit down to eat with others, we break bread together. It is a way to share resources and build a sense of unity. Everyone at the table is there for the same reason: to enjoy a delicious meal and good company. This shared experience can help people feel connected and build community and family.

It brings me back to growing up with having backyard carne asadas (Mexican cookouts) with family. Even though I'm introverted and have social anxiety, I looked forwards to these family cookouts for the food and hanging with the primos (cousins). These parties would sometimes be all day and night, so we would play, eat some food, go back to play, grab more food, and repeat the cycle about five times minimum. 

As an adult now, these settings are moments where we share our lives through stories, pondering on thought-provoking ideas, and understanding each other's experiences. The commonality of food and eating together helps break down barriers and encourage people to open up to one another.

At any age, you become part of something bigger than you, and everyone has something to offer and bring to the table. 

Reduces Food Waste

Communal dining can also help reduce food waste. Sharing dishes and ordering for the table can help ensure everyone gets the right amount of food, and leftovers can be easily shared or taken home.

One of the things that make my heart ache is seeing food go to waste. When it came to our family cookouts, these were the moments when food would all get eaten. Even though there would, at times, be more than enough food made for the party, everyone would always take leftovers with them. Whether for themselves for the next day or for a partner/spouse that could make the party due to work, multiple plates wrapped in foil would be packed to be taken with them as they leave. 

Even though our food was always bomb, the next day's leftovers were some of the best things you could eat. Dang, my mouth getting watery just thinking about it! Sorry, let's get back to it.

Cooperation & Teamwork

Communal dining often involves sharing dishes and serving food family-style. This can foster cooperation and teamwork as people do and share food. It can also help to teach children about sharing and caring for others. This can create a positive and supportive environment that fosters a sense of family and community.

During the holidays, it was important for the family to work together to cook a feast. Whether it was helping with the maza for tamales, keeping an eye on the pot of pozole, or prepping the ham and turkey for roasting, you would be put to work to help somehow.

Even during times, not during the holidays, you would need to help. Whenever my mom made ceviche, I cut the limes to soak the fish or shrimp and squeeze bags full of limes into a bowl. It was so much that your fingers would have the limey fragrances throughout the day.

Being hands-on with making food created an appreciation of the work put into making a delicious and nourishing meal. These moments will always stay with me.

Celebration of Diversity

Communal dining can be an opportunity to celebrate diversity and learn about other cultures. By sharing food and traditions from different regions and cultures, we can broaden our horizons and learn from people of diverse backgrounds.

One of my favorite things to experience is a good potluck party. I'm not talking about the kind of potlucks where there are 5 different of the same type of casseroles. I'm talking about the potlucks, where people showcase their best recipes to show off their skills. It's a beautiful site when you see a table with mac' n' cheese, lumpia, pollo asado, and empanadas right next to each other. 

Each bite of a dish is unique and brings you into the kitchen of a different culture. How could you not get excited!? Not only do you learn to grow to understand their food, but you start to under the individual through their culture.

Let's Feast!

Overall, communal dining is a powerful tool for building strong families and communities. When we break bread together, we can foster unity, reduce food waste, cooperate, and celebrate humanity's diversity. So next time you can share a meal with others, embrace it with open arms and enjoy the experience.