Survey Finds that Neighbors Who Cook or Bake for Each Other Feel Less Lonely

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Sep 09, 2025, 16:43 ET

Bob's Red Mill Announces "Moregetherness" Movement to Help Neighbors Connect Through Food

Reveals America's Most Neighborly Cities

PORTLAND, Ore., Sept. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Bob's Red Mill, a leader in the homemade food movement for more than 40 years, is announcing results from a national survey showing that sharing food with neighbors is strongly linked to feeling less lonely.

In the last year, over half (54%) of Americans have baked or made food to share with their neighbors, and 55% had a neighbor do the same for them. Not surprisingly, these same people most often reported that they are "never lonely" (53%) and that another benefit is "strengthened trust and relationships" in the neighborhood (56%).

Moregetherness Definition (PRNewsfoto/Bob's Red Mill)

Photo Credit: Laurel Mercantile Co./Brooke Davis (PRNewsfoto/Bob's Red Mill)

Bob's Red Mill has created an index of the most neighborly large cities in the US based on 15 food sharing behaviors, habits and attitudes identified by the survey. From coast to coast, the most neighborly big cities are:

Seattle
Dallas Fort-Worth
Los Angeles
New York
Boston
Phoenix
Philadelphia
Atlanta

Moregetherness™ Movement with America's Favorite Neighbors
Looking to inspire more people to create community through food, Bob's Red Mill is launching Moregetherness ("More" + "Togetherness"), a multi-year platform that celebrates the power of food to bring people together.

"In an age where people feel lonelier than ever, this survey proves what we at Bob's Red Mill have always known – that food is a powerful way to strengthen relationships and build community," said Allyson Borozan, Chief Growth Officer of Bob's Red Mill. "Our Moregetherness campaign is our way to help bring more people together, more often, with food as a bridge to foster that connection."

The company has also teamed up with Erin and Ben Napier, stars of HGTV's Home Town, to share inspiration for fostering community wherever you live.

"We are firm believers that open doors lead to open hearts," said Erin Napier. "When I bake, it's not unusual for me to make an extra and run it over to a neighbor or a tired mama friend. It's also a great reason to pop in and say hello – I usually end up staying to chat and catch up; it only takes a few minutes, but those little touchpoints are what help knit a community together."

The survey results also highlight just how powerful these small acts of sharing can be:

Generosity is abundant: 87% of Americans say they'd share food items with a neighbor if asked.
Food-sharing builds trust & reduces loneliness: More than half of Americans share food with neighbors (54% give, 55% receive), and most of those who "never" feel lonely are likely to do so (53%).
A simple hello matters: Greeting a new neighbor is one of the best foundations for a strong relationship — 78% of those who greet new neighbors when they move in say they're more likely to stay in frequent contact.
Welcoming gestures work: 76% of those who receive food when moving in feel welcomed, and these people are also the least likely to feel lonely.
Across cultures and generations: The majority of Americans (69%) who report they are "rarely lonely" are greeted with food by new neighbors, showing food-sharing traditions remain a timeless way to bridge backgrounds and ages.
Baked goods lead the way: Cookies (62%), brownies (31%), cake (30%), muffins (23%), and breads (20%) are the most popular dishes gifted to new neighbors.

Celebrate National Good Neighbor Day with Bob's Red Mill, September 28
In 1978, President Jimmy Carter created National Good Neighbor Day, celebrated every September 28, to raise awareness for human understanding and foster strong communities.

One easy way to participate in National Good Neighbor Day is sharing food with a neighbor. From a neighborhood pizza night to a quick cookie drop-off, Bob's Red Mill has an endless variety of simple ingredients to help make it happen – from whole grain oats for bakers who want to try their hand at Erin Napier's Zucchini Bars, to their Signature Blends Baking Mixes, like their Fudgy Brownie or new Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake Mixes.

To inspire as many acts of Moregetherness as possible this National Good Neighbor Day, Bob's Red Mill is offering a coupon to redeem one free product (up to $8.99 value) starting on September 23, while supplies last. Get started with ideas for everyday acts of connection at moregetherness.com.

About Bob's Red Mill
Bob's Red Mill started with good ingredients in 1978, and they've brought people together with delicious homemade food ever since. Inspired by the passion and artisanal expertise of founder Bob Moore, the company is now 100% employee owned, with more than 700 employee owners dedicated to making the best whole grain oats, baking flours and on-the-go snacks. Bob's Red Mill is located in Milwaukie, Oregon, just outside of Portland. Visit BobsRedMill.com for more information.

SURVEY METHODOLOGY
Survey conducted by Opinium research among a nationally representative sample of 3,000 U.S. adults 18 or older. The survey was fielded August 1-13, 2025.

SOURCE Bob's Red Mill