Recipes for Connection

A New Campaign Against Loneliness Starts with a Potluck
A New York Times article on the Surgeon General's "Recipes for Connection" and building connection through gathering.

Following on the Surgeon General's advisory, "Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation," "Recipes for Connection" is a tool to help strengthen our relationships. Research shows that connection can lead to better health and well-being, protecting us against serious issues like heart disease, stroke, dementia, and depression. This playful booklet provides inspiration for diverse and creative forms of gathering over food, one bite at a time.

Designed for printing and sharing.

Download Booklet

Recipes for Connection Cover: The Recipes for Connection cover sheet, titled "Recipes for Connection: Inspiring Social Connection One Bite at a Time"

Preview Pages

Setting the Table: A spread from the Recipes for Connection booklet that provides an overview of ingredients for any gathering around food.
Deepen Relationships: A spread from the Recipes for Connection booklet that provides a description, idea starters, and conversation prompts for deepening relationships through gathering around food.

What's Your Recipe for Connection?

Recipes are meant for sharing. Share your ideas at #recipesforconnection or share your experiences with us at:

lnstagram profile of Surgeon General

Facebook profile of Surgeon General

X profile of Surgeon General

Additional Resources

The below links are a sample of additional resources that are user friendly and open to the public and purport to support building social connection through gathering. This is not an exhaustive list. To suggest a resource for inclusion, please use the contact us page of the website.

 

  • Tips

    Social Wellness Toolkit

    National Institutes of Health

    This toolkit by the NIH offers six strategies to help improve your social health. It provides practical tips for building stronger relationships and fostering a sense of belonging in your life.

  • Tips

    How to Organize a Block Party

    Block Party USA

    Block Party USA is an initiative that encourages neighborhoods across the U.S. to host block parties, with the idea that these simple gatherings can build stronger, more resilient communities. The organization provides a how-to guide for organizing block parties as individuals and communities.

  • Toolkit

    Project Gather

    Project Gather

    Project Gather is an initiative to encourage individuals and organizations around the U.S. to gather, connect, and build community over food. They offer resources and nationwide event listings to help people plan, host, and attend food-focused gatherings.

  • Tips

    The Family Dinner Project

    The Family Dinner Project

    A nonprofit initiative that encourages families to connect through food, fun, and conversation. Their website offers recipes, conversation starters, and games to help make family dinners more engaging.

  • Toolkit

    The New Rules of Gathering Guide

    Priya Parker

    Priya Parker's "New Rules of Gathering" provides a framework for transforming gatherings into meaningful experiences by focusing on purpose and connection. The guide offers practical strategies to enhance interactions and foster a sense of community, making every gathering more intentional and impactful.

  • Tips

    Belonging Begins With Us

    Belonging Begins With Us

    This platform provides a list of specific, interest-based ideas to connect with others. Each option on the list is linked to a program or platform you can use to connect based on your interests.

Content created by Office of the Surgeon General
Content last reviewed