matfellesskap

Matfellerskap is a Norwegian term describing a social practice in which people come together to plan, prepare, and share meals. The concept foregrounds collective responsibility for cooking, serving, and cleaning up, and it often operates on a regular schedule within a community or institution. Variants of matfellesskap exist in schools, housing cooperatives, community centers, senior homes, refugee centers, and local volunteer associations.

In practice, participants contribute according to ability, with common goals such as fostering social contact, learning practical cooking skills, and promoting healthy and affordable food. Meals are typically prepared in a communal kitchen and eaten together, with arrangements for dietary needs and cultural preferences. The format can range from casual weekly dinners to structured programs with themes, budgets, and volunteer coordinators.

Matfellesskap can support integration and inclusion by bringing together people from diverse backgrounds, creating opportunities for dialogue and mutual support. It may also contribute to food literacy, waste reduction, and local food systems by encouraging home cooking, sharing surplus ingredients, and discussing nutrition.

Challenges can include securing ongoing funding, coordinating schedules, ensuring food safety, and accommodating accessibility or language barriers. Successful matfellesskap usually relies on clear leadership, community buy-in, transparent budgeting, and partnerships with local authorities or organizations.