The Longest Table broadens its reach to combat loneliness and strengthen local connections, bringing more neighbors together one meal at a time

The Longest Table, a simple idea that started four years ago in Chelsea with a post on Nextdoor.com, has inspired a movement. This Sunday, October 5th, six simultaneous community potlucks will take place across the United States—part of 50 potlucks happening throughout 2025 in cities nationwide as the initiative expands its reach. The movement inspires neighbors to self-organize—turning strangers into neighbors and neighbors into friends. The goal is simple: connect, create community, eat, and have fun.

At its core, The Longest Table reminds us of our shared humanity, addressing the growing epidemic of loneliness in America by creating spaces where people can gather, share a meal, and build meaningful relationships. This weekend’s events are part of a broader expansion, made possible with support from the Nextdoor Foundation, which will help bring the communal potlucks to more neighborhoods across the country and even globally.

"The Longest Table was born out of a desire to connect with those nearby," said Maryam Banikarim, Co-Founder of The Longest Table. "Seeing it become a movement—from New York to Oklahoma to California to Paris – shows how powerful our need to connect and belong is, and that we can solve it ourselves."

The Longest Table has demonstrated measurable impact. Past participants have reported:

• 90% have more positive feelings about their neighborhood
• 87% connect with new people at the event
• 82% feel inspired to get involved locally
• 79% feel less lonely after attending

"The Longest Table continues to do extraordinary work in bringing neighbors face-to-face to build stronger local communities," said Kelsey Grady, President of the Nextdoor Foundation. "These events represent our shared commitment to fostering strong connections that make neighborhoods more resilient and thrive."

Event Details:

All events are free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to bring a dish to share, though it's not required for participation.

• San Francisco, CA: 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. PT at the Civic Center; 335 McAllister Street San Francisco, CA 94102
  
  
  
  
• Fort Bragg, CA: 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. PT at North Franklin Street Fort Bragg, CA 95437
  
  
  
  
• Pacific Palisades, CA: 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. PT at Pampas Ricas Boulevard Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
  
  
  
  
• Chicago, IL: 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. CT West Chestnut between Noble & Elizabeth, Chicago, IL 60642
  
  
  
  
• Winston-Salem, NC: 5:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. ET at First Baptist Church; 501 West 5th Street Winston-Salem, NC 27101
  
  
  
  
• Chelsea, NYC: 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. ET at West 21st Street between 9th & 10th Avenues, New York, NY 10011

Neighbors and community leaders interested in attending or hosting their own potluck can find more information at www.longesttablecommunity.org.

About The Longest Table

The Longest Table, an initiative of NYCNext (501c3), brings neighbors together for shared meals in open spaces where everyone belongs. In our increasingly disconnected world, we're rebuilding community one table at a time—fostering human connection, reducing loneliness and reminding us of what we share rather than what divides us. Learn more at www.longesttablecommunity.org.

About Nextdoor Foundation

Inspired by the neighborhood connections fostered by Nextdoor Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: NXDR), Nextdoor Foundation was founded with a simple belief: small acts of support can spark big changes in communities and is backed by various funders, including Nextdoor’s co-founders. We partner with trusted nonprofits and local leaders who are already doing incredible work to bring neighbors together and build stronger, kinder communities. Through collaborations with fellow 501(c)(3) organizations, we identify and support the initiatives that help people connect, support one another, and create places where everyone belongs.

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