Researchers at the Institute of Common Joy have published a new study suggesting that sharing a meal with people from different cultural backgrounds significantly increases levels of trust and empathy.
The research, conducted across 12 countries, brought together participants who had never met before and encouraged them to cook and eat together. After the activity, participants reported feeling more comfortable discussing difficult topics such as migration, climate change, and social inequality.
Lead researcher Dr. Helena Marquez explained that “food acts as a universal language. When people sit at the same table, barriers naturally begin to dissolve.”
The study suggests that small community initiatives—such as neighborhood dinners or cultural food festivals—could play an important role in strengthening social cohesion in increasingly diverse societies.
Researchers hope the findings will inspire universities, community organizations, and local governments to invest more in programs that encourage shared experiences.