Several decades ago, I worked at Native Seeds/SEARCH, a nonprofit based in Tucson, Arizona. Their mission: “Conserve and promote the arid-adapted crop diversity of the Southwest in support of sustainable farming and food security.” 

In addition to collecting, saving, and distributing seeds, the organization offers educational programs and sells regionally sourced foods and crafts. 

Back in the day, we hosted a monthly potluck lunch for volunteers, staff, board, and other supporters. These potlucks were legendary. 

The menu generally included local produce and food products from our catalog. Your plate might include a couple of bean dishes, seasonal greens, posole, calabacitas (squash), a salad with nopales (cactus) or cholla buds (more cactus), and baked goods with corn or mesquite flour. My spouse remembers venison stew. Plus herbal tea from the garden to wash it down.

Our running joke: People were eager to volunteer – and we needed a LOT of volunteers – so they could attend the potlucks.

Where’s the food?

In contrast, I can’t begin to count the number of times I’ve arrived at a training or planning meeting to find a pot of coffee and a few donuts – and that’s it. I’ve led half-day workshops for organizations that supplied no refreshments at all. I’ve facilitated full-day retreats featuring the sad-sandwich lunch tray.

In defense of the hosts and event organizers, let us count the barriers they face.

• Food costs money. Good food costs more money. Many nonprofits struggle financially. If they charge for a workshop or community event, they’re trying to keep the price down to make it more accessible. That’s noble.

• Food takes time – to order it or (even more time) to cook it.

• Food is complicated. With so many food preferences, allergies, and limitations – not to mention the cultural dimensions of what people can or can’t eat – it’s easier and less risky to say to participants, “You’re on your own.”

• Food is messy – literally. Somebody needs to clean up. Conflict alert!

Hunger reduces attention 

As school studies have shown, kids learn less when they’re hungry. School feeding programs are both an expression of compassion and a practical way to boost learning outcomes.

Adults are no different. Our brains and bodies burn calories. Low blood sugar makes us drowsy and distracted. Engagement requires actual work; food provides fuel for that effort.

If you’re committed to greater learning, deeper engagement, and better decisions, then you must commit to food, too. You need to feed people.

Show some respect

Just as importantly, feeding people is an expression of affection and respect. In pretty much every culture anywhere in the world, hospitality begins and ends with food. 

Are you trying to recruit and retain staff? Are you looking for volunteers to support your work? Do you need committed board members who will prioritize their board responsibilities? Are you inviting partners to participate in shared projects?

When you feed them, you demonstrate that you care. When you feed them well, you demonstrate how much you care.

Practical workarounds

As noted above, providing food costs both time and money. How can you do this effectively, given the usual limitations? A few ideas.

1. Potlucks. OK, maybe you don’t run an organization that specializes in traditional foods. Nonetheless, I guarantee that someone in your group likes to cook and might enjoy the opportunity to share a favorite dish. Of course, somebody else will bring chips or takeout – and that’s OK, too.

2. Rotating responsibility. I once served on a board whose members took turns bringing food to the meetings. Doing the math: if you meet monthly and have a dozen board members, each person feeds the board once a year. That’s a reasonable request. The food will vary each month, which is an incentive to show up and see what’s on the menu.

3. Cooking together. I have fond memories of a board retreat, years ago on the Oregon coast, where we harvested mussels and turned them into pasta sauce. Yum! Our collective effort was an expression of our shared affection and commitment – much more than any restaurant meal would have been.

4. Sponsorship. If you’re hosting a public gathering – workshop, planning meeting, recognition event, etc. – consider seeking a sponsor or two to underwrite the catering. Be sure to thank them publicly.

Make the effort – it counts

I’ve provided training and consulting in 47 US states and across Canada. Inevitably, my favorite workshop meals came from a) the participants themselves or b) some hole-in-the-wall restaurant beloved by the locals. None were expensive; all were delicious.

Feeding your group doesn’t have to be costly or complicated. People will appreciate your effort and will do better work because of it.