MEETUP GUIDELINES

 

The Local Food Club (LFC) is a nation-wide, community-led initiative facilitated by The Locavore. Our attempt is to create meaningful change in our local food systems by nurturing connections, sharing learnings, and enabling collective action. 

LFC meetups are free, monthly gatherings that act as touchpoints for connection, reflection, and collective engagement around a shared quarterly theme. Food is a part of these gatherings, but it is not the crux. The crux is people, ideas, and the relationships we build with each other, and our food systems.

LFC meetups are facilitated, start-to-finish gatherings. We encourage participants to arrive on time and stay for the full experience rather than treating meetups as casual drop-in meals.

These guidelines exist to help keep meetups safe, inclusive, respectful, and meaningful for everyone.

Quarterly Theme (April–June 2026): The Labour Behind Food

Everything we eat demands labour—but the people who produce it, and the conditions under which this happens is relegated to the margins. Join the conversation and explore what this conflicting reality looks like in domestic spaces, urban settings, and beyond.  

KNOW MORE

How You Can Participate

Participation in an LFC meetup does not depend on bringing food. You’re invited to show up with attention, curiosity, and a willingness to engage. Food is one way to participate, but not the only one.

You might choose to bring:

A dish, ingredient, or food item that’s meaningful to you

A story, memory, or question connected to food or eating

A seasonal ingredient with a story attached to it

A product or ingredient that changed how you think about food

An object, practice, or habit that shapes how you think about food

There is no expectation of expertise, ethical perfection, or impressive cooking. What matters is showing up thoughtfully, staying engaged, and being part of the shared experience.

General Meetup Guidelines

These apply to everyone, whether or not you bring food.

  1. This is a volunteer-led meetup
    Local Food Club meetups are organised, hosted, and facilitated by volunteers who give their time and care to make these gatherings possible. Help bring the meetup to life by contributing where you can—whether that’s setting up, tidying up, checking in on others, or simply being supportive and engaged.
  2. Show up with care and curiosity
    Come ready to listen, reflect, and engage respectfully with others’ experiences and perspectives.
  3. Plan to stay for the full meetup
    The value of LFC gatherings comes from the shared experience—conversations, activities, and reflection, not just the food.
  4. Participation is flexible, not forced
    You’re welcome to speak, share, or simply listen. No one is required to perform, contribute food, or have the “right” answers.
  5. Respect shared space and facilitation
    Be mindful of time and group flow. Avoid dominating conversations.
  6. Care for the venue and help with clean-up
    Our venues generously open up their spaces to us, often at no cost. Please help clean up, put things back where you found them, and leave the space as you found it.
  7. No self-promotion or selling
    LFC meetups are not spaces to promote brands, businesses, or personal projects.
  8. Be kind and non-judgemental
    Avoid shaming, moral superiority, or imposing a single “correct” way to eat. What’s unfamiliar to you may be deeply meaningful to someone else.
  9. Uphold safety and inclusion
    Discrimination, harassment, or harmful language of any kind will not be tolerated.

 

Potluck Participation Guidelines

Food is welcome, but optional. If you choose to bring something to share, please keep the following in mind:

  1. Bring small portions for sharing
    If possible, aim for 6–8 tastes so others can try a little.
  2. Label ingredients and allergens clearly
    Include common allergens (nuts, dairy, gluten, soy, sesame, eggs, shellfish) and any animal products.
  3. Avoid alcohol
    Please avoid bringing alcoholic drinks. If alcohol is used in cooking, label it clearly.
  4. Legal and ethical considerations
    Only bring meats that are legally permitted in your state. If unsure, check a trusted source or write to us at connect@localfoodclub.in
  5. Food safety matters
    Keep hot food hot and cold food cold. Avoid dishes that require risky handling, unless clearly labelled.
  6. Serve hygienically
    Use clean containers and serving utensils. Avoid direct hand contact while serving.
  7. Choose reusable containers
    Please avoid single-use plastic or styrofoam where possible.
  8. Take responsibility for what you bring
    You’re responsible for your containers, leftovers, and clean-up.
  9. No need to impress
    Bring what you can and what feels right. Simple is welcome.

A Note on Safety

By bringing or consuming food at an LFC meetup, you acknowledge that you do so at your own discretion. The LFC team is not liable for any health issues arising from food consumption. Please take personal responsibility regarding allergies, hygiene, and dietary needs. Additionally, follow any venue-specific rules shared by your city’s Super Locavore or Host.