Great Forum Ideas: Bringing Food into the Conversation
We’ve learned it over and over again: food is always a good idea. Despite the additional hassle of procuring, preparing and cleaning, sharing food at your community event adds a dimension of universality. Food is something to enjoy, to discuss, to debate. It is a subtle statement to your audience that they are guests, welcome in your space. It is a literal and symbolic expression of the nourishing community.
Some tips we’ve learned from our own events, as well as talks with other organizers:
• Popcorn with movies is easy and satisfying. Microwave popcorn is easiest, an air-popper is cheapest and most efficient. Remember the lactose-intolerant and provide some unbuttered popcorn.
• Potlucks are just that. Don’t fret if you end up with an array of mismatched ethnic foods. Or an assortment of starches. One way to ease your anxiety beforehand is to pre-stock the potluck with some catered food (a main dish like lasagna). You can ask your guests beforehand to bring either a dish, or a $5 contribution. This will usually cover the cost of purchased food.
• Dishware: Consider whether you can use the real thing. Does your church or community center have a kitchen? Can you ask for volunteer dishwashers from the audience? If this just seems like too much work, consider buying compostable dishware (made from recycled paper and corn, and not as expensive as you would expect.) A few sources are Treecycle.com and Dirtworks.net
Many organizers have spoken to us about their success with pairing food and nutrition-based events with a meal or snack. For example, showing “Food, Inc” or “King Corn” and declaring a potluck emphasizing fresh and local ingredients. A recipe-swap can be added in, for an extra element of audience participation. Forums that use the “Café Model” for events (see www.WorldCafe.org) have raved about the warm atmosphere created when an event is set up with small tables, with tea and coffee and sandwiches provided. (Often local restaurants, bakeries and markets will donate to a food-related event.)
Offering hospitality adds an extra burden to your event, but the payoff is big. Give it a try!
