Soul Food Gatherings

A simple hosting kit for connection, storytelling, and shared humanity

Food is magic. It nourishes us, inspires us, and brings people together one bite and one story at a time.

A Soul Food Gathering is a shared meal where every dish comes with a story. Part potluck, part storytelling circle, and part heart-opening experience, it invites people to gather with curiosity, openness, and a willingness to connect.

There’s no performance and no pressure. Just people showing up with food, memories, and the understanding that every person is a living library.

Pull up a chair. Let’s do this.

How to Host a Successful Soul Food Gathering


Choose a Host and a Location

Pick a host who feels comfortable welcoming people and holding space.
Choose a location that feels relaxed and accessible: a home, park, restaurant, community space, or online.

Tip: Smaller groups of 6–12 people create the deepest connection.

1


Pick a Theme

Themes give people permission to be creative and vulnerable.
They also help level the playing field so no one worries about “bringing the perfect dish.”

Choose one theme and share it clearly in the invitation.

2


Invite the Right Energy

Invite open-minded, kind, curious, fun-loving people.
Let guests know this is about connection, not cooking perfection.

Sample invitation language:
“Bring a dish and a story. Come curious. Leave full.”

3


Bring a Recipe and Its Story

Ask each guest to bring:

  • A dish connected to the theme

  • A short story about that recipe

Stories can be funny, tender, messy, or meaningful.
All are welcome.

4


Create a Simple Sharing Flow

Put numbers in a bowl.
Each person draws a number.

Person #1 begins by sharing:

  • Their dish

  • The story behind it

Move around the circle one number at a time. This keeps things easy, fair, and low-pressure.

5


Open the Heart

After everyone has shared their recipe story, invite a second round:

Soul Food Story Prompt:
“Share a moment, meal, or experience that opened your heart or changed your perspective.”

No one is required to share. Listening counts.

6


Digest the Experience

Before closing, invite reflection:

  • What surprised you?

  • What stayed with you?

  • What will you carry forward?

Connection happens in the pause.

7

Soul Food Theme Ideas

1. Grandma’s Kitchen - Dishes passed down through generations or inspired by elders who shaped us.

Prompt: Who taught you how to cook, care, or show up?

2. From Scratch - Dishes tied to learning something the hard way, starting over, or becoming more yourself.

Prompt: What did you have to learn, unlearn, or rebuild when this recipe entered your life?

3. Comfort Food Confidential - Bring the dish you turn to when life gets hard.

Prompt: What does comfort look like for you, and who taught you that?

4. Identity on a Plate - Food connected to culture, heritage, faith, or chosen family.

Prompt: What part of you shows up most in this dish?

5. The Recipe That Changed Me - A meal connected to a turning point, a realization, or a moment of courage.

Prompt: What did this experience open or shift for you?

A Few Gentle Guidelines for Hosts

  • Curiosity over debate

  • Listening is participation

  • No fixing, no interrupting

  • Stories stay in the circle unless permission is given

  • Laughter is encouraged

  • Messy is welcome