How to Host a Raw Potluck
Thanks for choosing to host your own Raw Vegan Potluck. This
page contains general information to assist you in creating
a successful potluck. Here are some additional resources that
we hope you will find useful:
Holding a potluck is a good way to:
- Support the raw food community
- Reach out to new people
- Provide a safe environment for raw food enthusiasts to
eat with others
- Gain organization skills
- Have fun and eat a good meal all at the same time; sharing
food for the body and the soul.
We invite you to participate in and create a supportive raw
community whereever you are in the world.
Plan it and They Will Come
Each potluck should aim for 5 to 35 guests, depending on
where it is held. The purpose of the potluck is to reach out
to people who:
- want to meet other like-minded living foods enthusiasts;
- are interested in including more living foods in their
diet; or
- are curious about eating healthier foods.
Potlucks are ususally hosted in somebody's home. However,
a cafe, church basement, hall, community centre, or the beach
are appropriate too. Also, you may want to plan a potluck
around another event like laughter yoga, a day hike, or a
workshop. You can organize a one time potluck or an ongoing
monthly potluck.
We have had fun organizing themed raw food potlucks such
as a "Banana Split Potluck" or a "Tomato Potluck"
or an "Asian Foods Potluck".
One of the best and easiest ways to invite people to your
potluck is to write a simple invitation flyer, and post it
at health food stores and on the RawBC website.
The Basics
- Ensure the potluck space is clean:
- clean kitchen, bathroom, and eating area
- clean counters & sink
- clean towels for the kitchen & bathroom
- emptied compost & garbage
- air out space prior to peoples arrival
- clear clutter so guests are able to put down their
food & beverages
- Although most people will bring their own dishes, please
provide clean dishes and utensils for your visitors.
- It is important to familiarize yourself with food
safety guidelines
- Can I get that recipe? Ask your guests to bring copies
of their recipes to share.
- Provide pen & paper: ask your guests to list the ingredients
of their creation at the event (include what is organic
or non-organic).
- If the food will not be consumed immediately, have your
guests store their food in a cold place (fridge or cold
room).
- Remember to dig out extra serving platters, baskets, and
utensils before your guests arrive. Not everyone brings
food ready to be served. You don't want to be distracted
from your guests because you're pulling things out of your
attic or cabinets.
Igniting the Conversation
Now it's potluck time and people are knocking at your door
carrying covered dishes. What do you do now? The following
are just suggestions. The basic rules are: play it by ear.
First: Make sure everybody introduces themselves.
You may want to have name tags so everyone can learn each
others names.
Next: Let people mill around and chat with each other.
Next: To get a discussion started, start talking. As
host, you can start the ball rolling, or designate someone
you know pretty well to speak on a few topics to set the tone.
Next: You can have the group play a game, watch a
video, or have a discussion on a specific topic. Or you can
just let things unfold in their own timing.
Enjoy!
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