Host a Love Anyway Feast: Make An Impact One Meal at a Time 

Written By Faitth Brooks

Even as divisions across the US deepen, we can each take small steps to help foster peace in our communities.  Gathering with loved ones and friends isn’t always smooth sailing. There are calendars to coordinate, recipes to hunt down, and dietary requirements to consider. There is also the anxiousness around who to invite, what will we talk about, and if we all would get along?  But when we finally come together, sharing one another’s company in real life, we are reminded of the real human connections we have.

Whether we realize it or not, we all strive for connection.

At Common Ground USA, we believe that no matter our differences, there's always a way to connect. That’s why we’re inviting you to host a Love Anyway Feast—a gathering where people can come together, share a meal, and engage in meaningful conversations. Whether you're hosting in your home, a place of worship, at a community center, or a local coffee shop, these feasts are all about creating a brave and courageous space where everyone feels welcomed and valued.

If you're ready to build deeper connections in your community after a season of division and polarization, here are some of the basics to get started, including easy icebreakers, delicious recipes, and how you can sign up to host your very own feast!

3 Easy Icebreakers to Kick Off the Conversation

Starting a conversation with people who might not know each other well can feel a little awkward at first, but these simple ice breakers will help get everyone comfortable and ready to share.

  1. One Word Check-In
    Ask everyone to describe how they’re feeling in one word. It’s a quick way to gauge the room’s energy and get people talking. Plus, it opens the door for follow-up questions if people want to elaborate!

  2. Two Truths and a Wish
    A twist on the classic "Two Truths and a Lie" game, but with a positive spin. Each person shares two true statements about themselves and one wish they have for the future. This helps break the ice and offers insight into what people care about.

  3. Memory Lane
    Have everyone share a favorite food memory. It could be a meal that reminds them of home, a dish that brings back fond memories, or even a funny cooking disaster. Food has a way of connecting us all, and this can spark fun, nostalgic conversations.

If you wish to have a themed conversation, our friends at Living Room Conversation have over 150 topics you can pick from!

7 Delicious Recipes for Your Feast

Here are some simple, crowd-pleasing recipes that are easy to prepare and sure to bring people together over good food.

  1. Chickpea Salad Wraps
    Quick, healthy, and delicious! These wraps are a light, plant-based option that can be made ahead of time. Just mix canned chickpeas with olive oil, lemon juice, fresh herbs, and a touch of garlic.

  2. Garlic Roasted Veggies
    Toss your favorite vegetables (broccoli, carrots, bell peppers) with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Roast them in the oven until crispy and golden for a vibrant side dish.

  3. One-Pan Lemon Herb Chicken
    This one-pan meal involves chicken breasts cooked with lemon, rosemary, and thyme. Serve it with a side of rice or a fresh salad.

  4. Pasta Salad
    Cook your favorite pasta, and toss it with olive oil, chopped vegetables (like tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives), fresh basil, and a sprinkle of feta cheese. It’s a cold dish that works well for group settings.

  5. Homemade Guacamole & Chips
    Mash ripe avocados with lime juice, diced onions, tomatoes, and a pinch of salt. Serve it with tortilla chips for a perfect appetizer that people will keep coming back.

Sheet Pan Nachos
Layer tortilla chips with black beans, cheese, diced tomatoes, and jalapeños on a sheet pan. Bake until everything’s melted and delicious, then top with guacamole, salsa, and sour cream.

Chocolate Chip Cookies
End the meal with a classic! Whip up a batch of soft, chewy chocolate chip cookies to satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth. Serve with vanilla ice cream! Bonus: the smell of freshly baked cookies instantly makes everyone feel at home.

Ready to Host Your Own Feast?

Hosting a Love Anyway Feast is easy and meaningful, and we’re here to help you every step of the way! Whether you want to bring together family, friends, neighbors, or even new acquaintances, these feasts provide the perfect opportunity to build connections and foster understanding.

Faitth Brooks