Whole Story

Pop quiz: What do these dishes have in common? Thai Veggie Curry, Middle Eastern Chickpea Burgers, Seaweed Salad with Cucumbers and Sesame, Kale and Avocado Salad, Watermelon Gazpacho, Manzana Green Chili, Summer Salad with Peach Dressing, Lentil and Caramelized Onion Pilaf. They've all shown up this summer in my lunch sharing group! Lucky me! What's a lunch sharing group? A group of folks who take turns making lunch for each other. It's easy to set one up. Get together a group of folks, then set up a few parameters:

• Scheduling: Choose a day of the week that's convenient for everyone in the group and map out a calendar scheduling who will bring lunch which week. There are three people in my group, so every third week we take turns making lunch for the group.
• Containers: Assess your inventory of reusable containers and designate some for lunch sharing. Each week you'll need to deliver your lunch containers to the designated lunch maker, so that he/she can fill them with your lunch.
• Dietary guidelines: What kinds of food does your lunch group like to eat? Are there any special diets? How many dishes will the lunch maker prepare each week? My group focuses on vegetarian dishes, and we bring two dishes each week. But maybe you're a bacon lover and would like to round up folks who share your interest!
• Recipes: Start flagging recipes you've been wanting to make, and get ready to take the occasion to try new things!

Lunch sharing is a fun way to try new flavors and cuisines. And it's a great feeling every Tuesday knowing that I'll have a homemade lunch awaiting me in the office fridge. So who's inspired to start a lunch group of their own? How are you going to set up your group?