| OCTOBER 1, 2024 -- It’s no secret - Granges are known for their amazing food. From picnics to potlucks, from refreshments to fundraising suppers, from baking contest entries to chili cook-offs, to bake sales - there is an abundance of food that has been surrounding Granges since their beginnings nearly 160 years ago.
Perhaps Grange members were ahead of their time knowing about the benefits of eating and sharing food with others. In actuality, food sharing dates back to the earliest days of our existence. In prehistoric times, early humans gathered around fires to share the day’s hunt or forage as a way to celebrate skill and survival. There is rich Biblical symbolism around sharing food. Royalty demonstrated their status by throwing banquets with large amounts of food and drink. You will find shared meals in every country in the world. Norman Rockwell’s iconic Family Thanksgiving painting shows generations gathered around the table.
The psychology of sharing food is well documented through various professional and education studies. It’s proven that regular family meals together contribute to positive dynamics and strengthening relationships through improved communication. (1) The Center of Disease Control states that “Eating with others helps reduce isolation, which in turn re- duces the risk of anxiety and depression.” (2) According to the Administration for Community Living, “...coming together over food also allows people to create meaningful connections with others as they share beliefs, cultural practices, and interests. It provides a sense of structure and be- longing while offering greater opportunities for improved nutrition.” (3)
Sharing food is an easy and simple means of fellowship... and one of the many benefits of Grange membership - is fellowship. Can food serve as a tool to build Grange membership, and a sense of community? Yes, it can.
Appetite for Change MN says it best (4) - “Connection over food extends far beyond two people on a date or a family having dinner. Food can also unite communities in powerful and compelling ways. It can be used to bring people together, find commonalities, share knowledge and wisdom, and promote healthy local food systems!”
Here’s a few food-centric ideas for your Grange to try:
- Chili Cook-Off / Meatball Cook-off
- Dairy Dinner
- Pasta Supper
- Grange Picnic
- Potluck
- Grinder Sale
- Mad Hatter Tea Party
- Pizza Party
- Pancake Breakfast
- Pie Baking Contest / Pie Auction
- Ice Cream Social
- Eating Contests
- International Cuisine Night
- Gala Dinner Event
- Food Themed Gift Baskets Auction
- Jam & Jelly Making Workshop
- • Breakfast Bagel Bar
- • Cooking Class
- • Chocolate Workshop
- • Fruit Picking and Canning Event
- • Food Truck Event
- • Guess the sweets’ Jar Competition (i.e. Jellybeans, Hard Candies, etc.)
- • Boxed Lunch Swap
- • Seasonal/Holiday Celebrations (i.e. Gingerbread House Decorating)
- • Cookie Exchange
- • Gourmet Dinner Drawing
- • Theme Refreshments or Supper
- • Host a Bake Sale at a Grange event
- • Grange Coffee House - with musical entertainment and finger foods
- • and so much more...
The possibilities are endless. Food-related fundraisers are attractive to a wide audience, foster a sense of community within your Grange, and they present an opportunity to partner with local businesses, restaurants, and experts as well, plus, they are an efficient way to raise funds. Think outside the box and try a food-oriented fundraiser for your Grange!
Sources: (1) United States Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Grant: 90CT0151, ©2014; (2) https://www.cdc.gov/healthy-aging ;
(3) https://acl.gov/sites/default/files/nutrition/BenefitsOfEatingTogether_IG-508.pdf ; (4)
https://appetiteforchangemn.org/social-eating-how-sharing-meals-builds-connection
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