At Southside Community Land Trust, the connection to food runs deeper than our agricultural programs. For over a decade, staff members have maintained a unique tradition of cooking lunch for each other three days a week, creating a ritual that builds community and celebrates culinary creativity.
Every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at exactly noon, the office transforms into a communal dining space as more than half of SCLT’s staff participate in this rotating lunch schedule. The menu spans continents and seasons, featuring everything from hearty borscht and savory pies to broccoli rabe sandwiches and homemade pizzas. An ever-changing parade of soups, stews, and creative dishes reflects both the staff’s diverse culinary talents and their deep connection to food culture.
“This tradition is really something special,” says Sam Shepherd, SCLT’s Grants & Communications Coordinator. “In all my years working in nonprofits, I’ve never seen anything quite like it. When we take the time to cook for each other, we’re doing more than sharing a meal – we’re showing genuine care for our colleagues. The conversations and connections that happen around our lunch table are just as nourishing as the food itself.”
The tradition exemplifies SCLT’s commitment to building community through food, extending our mission beyond gardens and farms and right into the workplace kitchen. As staff members trade recipes and share cooking techniques, these thrice-weekly gatherings have become a cornerstone of SCLT’s organizational culture, proving that some of the strongest workplace bonds are forged over a home-cooked meal.
