POTLUCK GUIDELINES

Started by The Locavore, the Local Food Club (LFC) is a space where people come together once a month to share meals, swap stories, and celebrate the rich, regional diversity of our food traditions. Each gathering is informal, free, and open to everyone. These potlucks are built on generosity and curiosity — and the guidelines below help keep them safe, respectful, and joyful for all.

November Meetup Theme: Love Your Leftovers

Meetup Date: Sunday, 2nd November

This November, we’re learning to look at leftovers not as waste, but as possibility.
From yesterday’s rice and half a lemon to wilted greens or that lone chapati in the fridge — this month is all about celebrating the resourcefulness and imagination that every Indian kitchen holds.

Our theme, Love Your Leftovers, is an invitation to transform what’s already there — to see every scrap, stalk, or spoonful as a chance to create something new, meaningful, and delicious.

Here’s what to look forward to at this month’s LFC meetup:

1. Themed Potluck 

Bring a dish that turns leftovers or forgotten ingredients into something creative and surprising.
It could be:

  • Last night’s rice reborn as cutlets or kheer

  • Wilted greens revived into parathas or soups

  • The last chapati transformed into laddoos or chivda

  • Fruit that’s a little too ripe made into chutneys or desserts

  • Or simply a dish inspired by a “waste-not” memory from home

And if you can’t cook this time, that’s perfectly okay — just bring your curiosity and your stories.

2. Fridge Roulette: The “Use Your Brain, Not the Bin” Challenge

You don’t need to bring food for this one — just your creativity!
We’ll split into small groups, each given a random mix of typical “leftover” ingredients found in Indian homes. Your challenge: dream up a dish or creative reuse idea that brings them all together.

Expect laughter, teamwork, and some wild ideas — from banana-peel kebabs to pickle-oil noodles. The goal isn’t to get it perfect, but to get us all thinking differently about what we already have.

By the end, we’ll share reflections on what we waste, what we save, and how small shifts can make a big impact. 

3. The Locavore Shuffle

Every meetup begins with our signature icebreaker — The Locavore Shuffle.
Using our web app shuffle.thelocavore.in, you’ll be paired with fellow members for quick, fun, food-themed questions.
Each round, you’ll meet someone new, share a story, and move to another seat when the bell rings.
It’s an easy way to break the ice, discover shared food memories, and feel part of the community — whether you’re a first-timer or a regular at the table.

A Few Things to Keep in Mind Before You Join

Bringing food is encouraged—but not required. If you can’t bring a dish, just come with your curiosity, your stories, and your appetite. There’s always a seat at the table. The idea is to show up with something personal—big or small—that connects you to your food story. You’re welcome to bring:

A dish that celebrates the local and seasonal (enough for 6-8 portions so everyone can taste).

A story or memory like the first time you cooked something delicious, your favourite momo stall, or a meal that reconnected you with your heritage.

A unique local ingredient you chanced upon at your neighbourhood market, or one you’ve been using for as long as you can remember.

A hand-me-down utensil or heirloom that has been in your family kitchen for generations. 

To help keep our potlucks safe, respectful, and joyful for all, here are a few simple guidelines:

1. Bring enough for sharing: Aim to bring 6–8 portions of your dish so that everyone gets to experience a little of everything.

2. Clearly label ingredients and allergens: Include a small written label with your dish listing common allergens (e.g., nuts, dairy, gluten, soy, sesame, eggs, shellfish) and any animal products (e.g., pork, beef, gelatin). This allows those with dietary restrictions to eat safely. 

3. Avoid bringing alcoholic drinks. If you use it in the preparation of your dish, please label it with the kind of alcohol used.

4. Follow legal guidelines for meat consumption: Only bring meats that are legally allowed to be consumed in your state. If in doubt, check a trusted source or write to us at connect@localfoodclub.in  

5. Use local and seasonally sourced ingredients where possible.

6. Keep perishable dishes cold or hot as needed: Transport cold dishes with ice packs or coolers, and hot dishes in insulated carriers. Food safety is paramount.

7. Avoid dishes that are risky if not properly handled: If it’s raw ferments, uncooked seafood, or overly experimental prep—skip it or label it very clearly. 

8. Serve hygienically: Use clean containers and serving utensils, avoid direct hand contact with food while plating.

9. Label your dish with your name: In case someone wants to thank you, ask for a recipe, or simply know more.

10. Avoid single-use plastic or styrofoam: We encourage reusable or compostable containers and serving wear to keep our gatherings sustainable.

11. Take back what you bring: Leftovers, serving dishes, containers – you’re responsible for cleaning up after your contribution.

12. Be punctual: Arriving on time ensures food is served safely and you’re part of the shared experience.

13. No need to impress: bring what you love and what you can. There’s no pressure to make something fancy.

14. Be curious, not judgemental: What’s unfamiliar to you may be deeply meaningful to someone else.

15. Respect all dishes, ingredients, and food choices: And as we like to say: don’t yuck someone else’s yum.

Safety Note: By bringing and sharing food at an LFC event, you acknowledge that you do so at your own risk. The LFC team is not liable for any health issues arising from food consumption. Please take all precautions regarding hygiene, allergies, and food safety. Also, do check if your venue has specific food rules or restrictions, and follow those closely.