Do you Americans accept food from a newly arrived neighbor?

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TieDye_Raptor@reddit

If it's Brazilian food, I love food from different countries. I'd definitely accept. If it's American food, I'd also accept. Granted, I've only had neighbors being me food once before, and that was from the Asian folks that lived under me at the apartment I used to live at. (I don't remember what country, it was years ago - perhaps Taiwan?) My husband and I appreciated it and enjoyed a delicious meal. Most neighbors don't really acknowledge us, though some occasionally say hi.

I can't say I know what the average American would do. It probably differs.

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canyonoflight@reddit

Yes, absolutely.

In some neighborhoods, someone will bring you food shortly after you move in.

Occasionally_Sober1@reddit

That sounds like a lovely gesture.

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Ha! I grew up in jersey - it’s been an odd transition and cultural shock living in West Virginia. Just yesterday, my neighbor and I exchange texts cause her cats always trying to get into my house. Just yesterday, she knocked for no particular reason and we just sat and enjoyed a cigarette on my porch. My other neighbor always strikes up conversation when she sees me come home from work and she’s doing yard work.

I actually got into the spirit of it and noticed my other neighbors deck was splintery and had the paint peeling, and I see her and her kids and grandkids out there every night. So I knocked one day and me and my hands friend brought a sander and paint matched her deck, redid the whole thing.

I’m cagey as fuck being from jersey, so a random knock scares the crap out of me, and it’s weird being recognized at the store or by neighbors, but a couple years here and I’m getting more used to it

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arkstfan@reddit

I’m southern but I’ve NEVER been offered leftovers from a meal I wasn’t at.

I think a lot of people would be offended and perceive it as “I’m not good enough to be at your party but you’ll dump your leftovers with me.”

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-Hannibal-Barca-@reddit

Bro they don’t even know you yet, how are they supposed to invite a total stranger over. Giving you food is a gesture that they’d like to get to know you and become friends. Id think it’s really nice. And I’m from the deepest part of the south

Just straight to “OH IM NOT GOOD ENOUGH HUH” is reallyyy telling 😂

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StoicWeasle@reddit

Because here in the US, there are things between: “Hey, stranger, have some leftovers!” and “Hey, friend, come to our BBQ!”

Food is not scarce. It’s not some great offering.

When I was a kid, we used to take freshly baked cookies or a pie to meet people or say hi to new neighbors. You don’t take a bunch of leftovers. You take freshly made food that hasn’t been picked over already.

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-Hannibal-Barca-@reddit

Lol alright then. Seems like a pretty nitpicky reason to get offended over, especially with someone from a different culture trying to be friendly to you. I’d probably just assume it’s a thing they do in their home country and be like “sweet, free food.”

But sure, you can be all “You dare feed me the scraps from your table? Am I your dog sir!!?”😂

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StoicWeasle@reddit

I think before you start wondering about MY indignation, you should ask yourself why you’re serving strangers your scraps. This isn’t a college door, broheim, and these aren’t leftover bagels and donuts.

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Wendyhuman@reddit

Because I didn't want it to go to waste? Perfectly good food today...is not perfectly good in 3 days. Sharing is caring even if not all who are offered to join the fun of food don't desire it.

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A. My own parties I send home what needs to be sent. I've never been left with enough to find a neighbor but I have been at parties where there's just too much food. (Which is far better than the alternative!)

B. I'm glad food has never been an issue for you. Can't say the same myself.

C. Yes I usually do eat all leftovers and plan as well as I can not to waste food...doesn't always work - grand plans of fresh food can be ruined by carelessness, circumstances, or adhd brain. But I do try

D. Non perishable food that can go to a food bank is taken. Open or just plain not good food is either composted or tossed as appropriate. Free food pantries are in various places I frequent so it's not even an extra trip.

E. You seem to be very...against food sharing. I'm wondering if while I'm picturing half a huge watermelon and half a sheet cake you are imagining the cake slice with one bite out of it or the drippy juice at the bottom of the fruit bowl. Or like crusts of pizza..... that stuff is for composting. Leftovers are already prepped food that just needs reheated or just eaten.... it's kinda what meal prep was before we made it color coded and fancy.

F. I've also made double on purpose to deliver half to a friend or person mostly unknown for whatever reason...none of them said anything but thanks.

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StoicWeasle@reddit

I'm for public health and hygiene, and against the spread of disease.

No food bank will take half your whole watermelon. Just like I wouldn't take it, and I doubt anyone above the poverty line would take it--unless I knew the people in question.

Don't tell me what I'm thinking. Ask.

I'm not against "food sharing". I'm trying to understand--and you may need to read the OP--in which situation would it be normal to give your unknown neighbors a bunch of cooked, half-eaten, food of unknown provenance.

IDK why you decided on a bulleted list, when almost all of them are irrelevant to the discussion. I guess you really wanted to push your own narrative of sharing food with your friends. Cool story, bruh.

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Wendyhuman@reddit

So... are there a rash of deaths or illnesses that could from eating half a watermelon I don't know about?

Ps. I could look up stats of poverty line and below folk but... maybe I just grew up where my normal is very different than yours? And on encountering something odd ... and being questioned on it. I reviewed a lot of thoughts and typed.

Honestly I'm not trying to convince you to share food waste less or even think differently about leftovers. I'm honestly still learning what life is like for folk who do not actually experience certain things.

I may very well send my next batch of muffins over with a note "here is some cooked half eaten (I bake muffins imma eat my half!) Food of somewhat unknown provenance. Please enjoy! I usually go with hey I baked some muffins want some but it just isn't as catchy as cooked half eaten food you know?

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StoicWeasle@reddit

Is that this post, now that we’ve wandered all the way into these woods?

Is OP asking: “You know what, I’m concerned that these neighbors might be starving, homeless, or can’t afford food. So, I’m gonna go take them my watermelon?”

And you’re still dodging the “Where in TF is this normal behavior, to take your neighbors your half eaten food?” b/c you’re focused on half-eaten as in: “I took a bite of this hot dog, it still has my teeth marks on it, do you think the neighbors will want it?” Instead of the more obvious: “Well, this was bbq food. Do we really want a watermelon that flies have been picking over, despite how cleanly-cut that open side is? And, do we really want cookie that may have been licked by dogs or fallen on the ground?”

Instead you’re focusing on…”Do I have cooties?” and not on the reason why we won’t even let our kids eat trick or treat candy b/c we don’t know who’s handling it, on the backs of deranged fucking people messing with Tylenol bottles, giving out laxatives at Halloween, and recent generations of “influencer” criminals licking new cartons of ice cream for internet points.

If these concerns don’t bother you, great! I have kids, and it bothers me. And it turns out, this would bother most people. And I grew up during a time before all this nonsense, and we didn’t lock our home doors or car doors.

I think your easy and blithe disregard for the shitty reality we live in is wonderfully pollyanna-like. It is not how the rest of us are.

Feel free to indulge yourself in poverty statistics. Is that OP’s question? Is it: “I live near the poverty line, but I’m sure my next door neighbors are below it, but raising 4 kids. I know there’s a safety and hygiene concern of giving people food that isn’t packaged, but I think they really need this but are just too afraid to ask?”

Is this really what you think this post is about? JFC

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Wendyhuman@reddit

I can trust humans to in general not want to kill me. I live where in general no one fears safety by sharing nor at halloween. My kids have never encountered any harm from accepting hand me downs nor perfectly good food. And I am so sorry that you live where this is a real danger to you.

I don't offer floor cookies or fly encrusted food to my guests nor strangers. Again the issue seems the definition of perfectly good food. You have yours. I have mine.

Fortunately we do not live near each other so you are in no danger of my definition harming you.

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StoicWeasle@reddit

I don't.

Remember that global pandemic we just had, and how many absolutely fucking stupid people we had during it? Between the anti-vaxxers, the anti-maskers, and the "I'm too cool to stay inside or maintain reasonable distances from people to avoid being a vector?"

Imagine if it had been more deadly.

You don't need to be sorry for me, and we don't need your concern trolling. I'm fine, thanks. And we shower when we get home from the pool. LOL--you keep doing you.

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Wendyhuman@reddit

Sigh, curiosity kills me sometimes.

Wtf does showering after a pool have to do with food?

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StoicWeasle@reddit

That’s an excellent deflection!

No, I don’t think people are “actively” trying to harm me. But, I do think loads of people unwittingly put others at danger all the time.

If you want to be a Pollyanna and ignore those things on the basis of: “That seems exhausting,” then by all means live however you like.

StoicWeasle@reddit

Gets pushed back.

"Not that deep, bruh."

Go lie down.

No one said anything about the strawmen of being malicious of intentionally rude. Yet, newcomers to a culture can find that they've stepped out of bounds of etiquette, which is this entire post.

High school is going to be a long trip, my guy.

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-Hannibal-Barca-@reddit

Right right no I gotcha.

Everything okay at home bud?

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Olivia_Bitsui@reddit

No. This person has a chip on their shoulder.

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KJHagen@reddit

I’ve seen this rarely in an office setting, but never between neighbors. I don’t think most Americans work in offices.

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Individual_Check_442@reddit

I work in an office and when food is brought in it’s from everybody originally we don’t let the executives get it first and then give the leftovers to the little people - we’re not dogs.

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sterrrmbreaker@reddit

We have meetings at our office that are sometimes staffed by a few people from the office and not the whole office. In the case that we work in that meeting through lunch, we get it catered. If we get too much, like we did last week when we ordered pizza, we let everyone know that there's plenty of pizza leftover from the working meeting and everyone's welcome to it. Usually never have a scrap left after that.

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Medium-Interview-465@reddit

Any place I have worked the executives eat after everyone else has been served, especially if it's a "worker appreciation" event. Anything else is a trigger.

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KJHagen@reddit

I was responding to a comment about catered food.

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ritchie70@reddit

The BLS thinks 18.5 Americans are office workers, or about 12% of the workforce.

https://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2024/18-5-million-office-and-administrative-support-jobs-in-may-2023-12-2-percent-of-total-employment.htm

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CJK5Hookers@reddit

That is office admin workers, not office workers. The give away is that the only two occupations is executive assistants and managers of other admin workers. You would expect to see lawyers, accountants, and engineers on there.

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KJHagen@reddit

By the same token there are many administrative workers who don’t have a traditional office job. (I was one.) There are also many office workers who don’t have sit down meetings, conferences, etc. (I was also in that boat for a while.) There are also non-office workers who DO have catered meals, formal meetings, and conferences (like police and fire).

The job I held the longest (government contractor in an office) lasted 25 years, and averaged two pot lucks and two catered meals per year. We had to RSVP for catered meals and select food in advance, so there weren’t many leftovers. Everyone’s experience is different.

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ritchie70@reddit

Hmm, that's a good point. I didn't look very hard and I did think it seemed low.

https://www.dpeaflcio.org/factsheets/the-professional-and-technical-workforce-by-the-numbers says "57.8 percent of the total workforce in 2023, with 93 million people" but they're including medical professionals and others who I would consider "white collar" and "professional workers" but not "office workers."

Just doing rough math on their categories, I think maybe around 42 million are what I'd consider offhand to be definitely office workers. By my math that makes it around 26% of the workforce. There are probably additional office workers "hiding" in the categories that I excluded.

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KJHagen@reddit

Exactly! I just posted the same link. Lol!

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MissFabulina@reddit

Most Americans actually do work in an office setting. And it is very common that if there was catering for a meeting that the excess food is offered up to the other office workers (those who were not in the meeting).

To OP, it is the fact that they are "leftovers" that may cause offense. The "traditional" offering of food is something that you made specifically to give to the person.

If you know the neighbors already, then inviting them to come and get something, or bringing them something special from the party, would most likely be welcome.

But leftovers from a stranger's party, many would wonder about that....

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KJHagen@reddit

It’s not 12.2%?

https://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2024/18-5-million-office-and-administrative-support-jobs-in-may-2023-12-2-percent-of-total-employment.htm

I recently retired. I worked almost 50 years with more than half in an office. My wife and most of my neighbors never worked in offices.

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CJK5Hookers@reddit

That looks like it’s office admin, not all office workers

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Knowing the people I work with is all the kore reason I won't eat leftovers- one person picks at their teeth and then touches stuff instead of using a serving utensil. Another will cough phlegm on their hands, wipe it down their shirt/pants, then continue touching communal items like the fridge/microwave.

I will never eat communal stuff at work.

Had a boss who I did some pet sitting for. His wife would put the cat litter scoop in the dishwasher with dishes. I would not partake when she brought food in. She also would kick her fingers, serving spoon, and put it back in the food. Yes, they caught covid.

alibythesea@reddit

You guys can fish lobster recreationally? LUCKY.

Here in Atlantic Canada, the fishery is tightly regulated, not to mention that the local lobster fishermen would be PISSED if they saw someone else putting out traps.

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Rogue_Cheeks98@reddit

I wanna say his license is for up to 100 traps, but he only actually fishes 25. But it is also very tightly regulated to keep it sustainable. For example, we aren’t allowed to keep lobsters over a certain size. From what I understand, it’s not the same in canada. Can keep the giants.

Between the ones with eggs, the ones with notches, the ones that are too small, and the ones that are too big, we have to throw back around probably 85% of the lobsters we bring up.

Something else that maine does that’s pretty cool is an owner operator law. If a boat is fishing for lobsters, the registered owner ( or a direct family member of the owner with a license) of said boat must be on the boat while they’re fishing. Makes sure only people directly invested in the fishery are involved, and keeps big companies from buying a bunch of lobsters boats.

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alibythesea@reddit

Yes, that's an excellent provision. We have regs about large corporations getting involved, but I'd love to see it even tighter, like yours.

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huazzy@reddit

That's amazing of your dad. Would love free lobsters.

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ThumbsUp2323@reddit

I've been living here for three years. Never spoke a word to my neighbors- not that I blame them.

I'm a stereotypical recluse with wild hair and a bushy beard living alone in a quiet family neighborhood. Kids playing tin the streets, etc.

The only exception is the ONE time a neighbor from a few houses away knocked on my door and asked to borrow a tire inflator. Never saw the damned thing again.

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OceanPoet87@reddit

We dump leftovers in our neighbors all the time because they have two teenage boys who will eat anything. We also give their chickens some leftover fruit or veggies. Our neighbors bring us eggs in return.

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toughenupbutttercup@reddit

Knocks on door to ask for an egg, gun toting nut shoots you. Nope.

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Rogue_Cheeks98@reddit

agoraphobia must be hard to live with.

I accept and am grateful.

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As an introvert I don't go out of my way to talk to my neighbors. But also I haven't smelled amazing food coming from anybody's house in years lol.

Writing this Reddit message as I fantasize about some old Vietnamese couple buying the house for sale across the street from me, and complimenting me on my meticulous landscaping skills. That's about the time I'd casually throw in I will work like a borrowed mule for some good pho.

The food whore is strong in me.

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kellyinwanderland@reddit

I loved your post. I literally "will work for food" lol! I live in a very diverse neighborhood and I have been the go-to person for information since I grew up here. I get so many goodies as a result.

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lefindecheri@reddit

Don't know why you're getting downvoted. I agree with you. I'd never eat it.

I had a teacher colleague who tossed out every food gift from kids/parents that wasn't prepackaged. It killed me because it looked incredible, especially Christmas cookies. But it saw her point.

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Youbiquitous64@reddit

My mom was a teacher when I was growing up (in the 70s), and we got the most delicious homemade goodies for Christmas every year! It never occurred to any of us to not eat them!!!!

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Kellaniax@reddit

Are you really that paranoid?

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kittenpantzen@reddit

https://www.cdc.gov/norovirus/php/reporting/norostat-data.html

Yeah.. leftover food from a party? I will accept it and say thank you, but I am not going to eat it.

If it were something that you had made and had been the only person with your hands all over it, I still probably wouldn't eat it unless I've been inside your home.

But something that has been out for who knows how long and handled by who knows how many people? Absolutely not. People don't wash their hands.

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FormalFriend2200@reddit

Leftover food from a party belongs in the garbage. Because that's what it is.

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BigWhiteDog@reddit

You might want to see someone about your paranoia.

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fairelf@reddit

Let's assume it was something they just grilled.

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kittenpantzen@reddit

Freshly grilled? I will take it and say thank you. I will not eat it unless I already know you and have seen how you handle food. I can't begin to tell you the number of times that I have been at a cookout and seen someone pull meat off the grill and put it on the same board that the raw meat was on just minutes before.

I would prefer not to have food go to waste, but that ranks lower than not wanting to offend a new neighbor. But, I'm not potentially giving myself food poisoning to make someone else happy.

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TrapperJon@reddit

Man, you have an immune system for a reason. Besides, do you have any idea how your food at restaurants is handled?

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Sorry but refusing to eat food that was sitting out on display for hours, maybe getting touched by dirty hands and flies, is not insane.

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SpaceBear2598@reddit

If you've already destroyed you and your family's immune systems with a perfectly sterile environment for several decades, have some other medical condition resulting in or requiring a weakened immune system (ex. an organ transplant), or have severe allergies than POLITELY DECLINE . Same thing if it looks or smells suspicious.

We were subject to regular inspections, so...

Granted, you can pay your way to a good inspection, so that isn't always the most meaningful. But it's cheaper to just do it right.

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Unusual-Thing-7149@reddit

Sometimes though the busier the kitchen the harder it is to keep clean.

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FormalFriend2200@reddit

No, take the time. If you're going to make people sick, then what is the point of cooking for them??...

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intothewoods76@reddit

We’ve all seen the horror videos of people messing with your food. But I also worked the line at a few restaurants and we always adhered strictly to safe food handling practices.

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kittenpantzen@reddit

Yeah, like I won't say it never happens. But every place in which I worked, cooked meat on a raw board, rinsing dropped food, not washing hands, unsafe thawing, etc, none of that would fly.

Whaaat?

No, the hungover 22 year old in the kitchen who just wants to get through his shift to go to the bar with the cute hostess up front again and was too close to being fired to not show up again definitely rigidly adheres to the letter of all food safety regulations and best practices at all times.

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FormalFriend2200@reddit

LMAO!

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SpiritOfDefeat@reddit

I think “at least it’s something” is pretty indicative that the bar is still fairly low, even for establishments. My bar is already pretty low 😅

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-Hannibal-Barca-@reddit

Uh yea I guess man. Maybe I’m just soo crazy and cavalier, but I’m crushing that shit and not worrying too much about it.

My grandma used to say what's better, a good plate with nothing on it... no, wait, I fucked it up.

What's a good plate with nothing on it?

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Restless__Dreamer@reddit

What's a good plate with nothing on it?

A very breakable frisby! 😂

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Dilettantest@reddit

“What good is a plate with nothing on it?”

LordFexick@reddit

In the given scenario, I would accept. If anything, I’d be more trusting of this new neighbor than I would be of a number of other Americans.

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Drusgar@reddit

My experience with people is that it's hard to gauge if they will just throw the food out or actually eat it. I've known perfectly normal, middle-class folks with children who never actually cook anything. They eat out or carry out every single day. Their cabinet has some cereal and maybe a few canned goods, but their meals are all prepared for them. I find that absurd, both from a cost and health perspective, but that's just how they live their lives.

You'd accept you'd just be mad they beat you to the punch!

Yes! I would honestly be a bit embarrassed to have someone new bring food to me (especially leftovers from a party I wasn’t invited to…that just feels awkward). Where I’m from it’s expected that I would be making a fresh casserole to bring over to welcome the new neighbors, since it’s expected that they haven’t had a chance to set their kitchen up yet.

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Small_Method_6713@reddit

Thank you! And if your partner dies, we feed you. If you have surgery we feed you. New baby, we feed you.

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shoulda-known-better@reddit

I live on a double dead end road in a rather large town (small city) and I would be pumped if my neighbors ever thought of me and brought me a plate! Bonus points if it's their native food or something they specialize in making!!!

To be fair all my neighbors know me and know they are welcome by for my bonfires anytime

So, it really depends. America is as diverse as it is big. So while this is common in the south, or the midwest, it might not be in other parts of the country.

sickostrich244@reddit

Yes, my family and I would accept and be grateful for it.

Most of the time I think new neighbors just greet and welcome each other at least out west where I've lived that's a bit more of the norm. I'm sure in other regions like the Midwest they do offer neighbors food to welcome them.

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blufish31459@reddit

I'd have to ask you about allergens, but you'd be my new best friend for even offering.

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Live-Ad2998@reddit

Come be my neighbor. We will trade dishes, start the most enviable supper club. Reservations will be hard to get. We will become wealthy beyond belief.

For context tho I also live in a small rural town.

We would accept, and then return the dish with treats.

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jane-generic@reddit

I never turn down free food unless it has onions due to allergy. Or rabch anything cuz it's nasty.

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Vikingaling@reddit

I would base it on the neighbor’s vibe… and the local politics tbh.

Probably 75% of us would absolutely love the gesture but the other 25% are problematic.

If they seem angry, or Trumpy, I’d leave them alone.

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MmMmM_Lemon@reddit

Heck yeah!

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No-You5550@reddit

In my neighborhood not generally, but I would and so would my friends.

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Remarkable_Table_279@reddit

Culturally it’s been a tradition for Americans to give food to new neighbors…I’ve only done it once. I ordered pizza on their move in day. So I guess the reverse is as a new neighbor would you accept food the day/week you move in?

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nessysoul@reddit

Yes

Me and my neighbor now swap food- I bake and he makes smoked meats it’s fabulous

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lefindecheri@reddit

OP said these are NEW neighbors that you haven't met yet!

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nessysoul@reddit

That’s how it started! I have only lived here 1 year and I took cookies over when I moved in and then we were no longer new neighbors but friends :)

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Dazzling-Climate-318@reddit

I’d find it very strange for someone to cope over for no apparent reason and bring my family food without contacting me first. Essentially bringing leftovers.

If it was a holiday and they brought over the food at the beginning of the day, it contemporaneously with their fixing it, I would accept it.

If contacted ahead of time and asked, I might or might not accept it depending on what it is and what our families plans were.

But we’re I live spontaneously bringing food to someone’s home would be considered very odd unless there’s a reason such as a holiday, illness or a death in the family, or some sort of disaster. Basically an event in which the bringing of food is done to help the other family.

And, there is no expectation in regard to reciprocity. Actually any expectation of reciprocity both goes against our and the predominant religious viewpoint in our area. All gifts, are seen as freely given; they can be accepted or rejected, but there is no expectation they be exchanged. Exchanging gifts can lead to awkwardness and hurt feelings,, or worse if the person involved in the exchange does not reciprocate evenly, if they have the means and resources to do so. Better to be seen as generous and giving than cheap and manipulative.

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sharkycharming@reddit

I would be thrilled, especially if it was food from a culture other than my own. I still remember one time, I was at a rest stop off I-5 in Oregon in 1993, and I met this man named Gabriel who was a day laborer. He was there waiting for a job. And he offered me a piece of his torta that his wife had packed for him before he left home for the day. It was so good. What a kind man. (I was a starving vagabond teenager at the time.)

Sharing food from different cultures with our neighbors brings us together. We need to uphold sharing and understanding our neighbors because we never know when we may need to lean on them. I truly hope people in this thread see that we need more connections with people near and close to us.

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ThePickleConnoisseur@reddit

I don’t know my neighbors so I’d be happily surprised

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ColdEngineBadBrakes@reddit

I would get high with them and share the food.

But I’ve noticed this isn’t the norm anymore, and that makes me sad.

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Uhm.

I mean, I would probably accept it just to not seem rude.

But I would consider it rude and weird to give neighbors leftover food from a party they weren't invited to.

If you don’t want to eat it, that’s your prerogative. If you leave that note, you’re just an asshole.

IcyBus1422@reddit

This doesn't happen. Everyone here is lying

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Royal-Straight-Flush@reddit (OP)

I asked because I wanted to know what the average American's reaction would be.

The responses are very positive (I found it a little strange).

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Successful-Safety858@reddit

It used to be very normal most places I. The us for neighbors to share food, borrow tools from each other, visit on the front lawn, etc. we’re loosing that especially in cities. But I think a lot of people want it back and are just too nervous. Please do!

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coolandnormalperson@reddit

Unfortunately I don't feel comfortable doing so in a country where people have been shot for knocking on a neighbor's door or turning around in their driveway

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lefindecheri@reddit

When I first moved to my cul-de-sac, I was the last one to move in. Everyone was friends, kids played together, had block parties several times per year, open house at Christmas. Several neighbors had keys to my house for emergencies and vice versa. Now I'm the LAST one left of the originals. I am not friends with any of the new neighbors. No one has my key. So sad.

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Big-Ad4382@reddit

I would totally accept. I’m the US at least where I’ve lived I would have already made some cookies or something as a welcome to the neighborhood gift! What cool new neighbors you have!

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dobbydisneyfan@reddit

While I’m still living with other people who eat meat, I very likely would just say thank you and accept it.

JulieThinx@reddit

Food is the universal love language. I may ask for recipes because I love food from all cultures. Thank you. Please don't be afraid to share your food/love/culture.

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AntJo4@reddit

Im Canadian and am also curious. In Canada generally it’s the existing neighbours that bring food to the newcomers - because let’s face it moving in and getting settled sucks. Being expected to cook and host the neighbourhood on top of all that seems exhausting.

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sapgetshappy@reddit

I would be delighted! I’d probably also make something to share with them in return.

Honestly, though, I think it’s more common for the established residents to male something for thew new neighbors.

Rikishi6six9nine@reddit

I wish that was a problem in my neighborhood. I don't mind neighbors coming to my door. But I get so many solicitors in my neighborhood it's ridiculous. At least once a month someone is coming to my door trying to sell something or sign some political form.

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CharlesAvlnchGreen@reddit

I would graciously accept, and be thrilled at the gesture, even if I didn't like or eat the food (for example, if I kept Kosher and they brought over a ham).

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LizaBlue4U@reddit

I was very happy when one of my neighbors did this! Several of my neighbors have immigrated here, and it's been a pleasure getting to know them, their cultures, and their food. And they seem to have enjoyed coming to my house for barbeques.

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My partner and I moved into a new neighborhood about 2 years ago. I decided we should bake some cookies and drop them off to our neighbors near by to introduce ourselves. Approximately 8/9 houses. 4 were home and greeted us. The others we left on their porch with a little note. The 2 elderly neighbors loved it and were so sweet. 1 was a family and seemed thankful but shocked. The other reciprocated and brought us a dish from their hometown. I told family and friends that we met some neighbors and did this and most thought it was a lovely gesture but also thought it was as “old school” and said many people wouldn’t anymore.

Either way, I’m glad we did! And will do it again in future neighborhoods if we move. I think it’s a kind gesture and nice to know who your close neighbors are.

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WhompTrucker@reddit

Yes!! I'd love that, especially if it's cheese bread or brigadeiro

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polar810@reddit

Personally, yeah I’d love that

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CrashDisaster@reddit

Yeah, I would. I was fairly new into the place i live now, and my neighbor's mom was here visiting, and she made loads of food and sent some down to me. It was delicious.

If the food smells good and you're my neighbor, I'm probably eating it haha

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Sidewalk_Tomato@reddit

I would happily accept, although (for comfort) I would want to have had a few words with the new neighbors before, or have waved to them across the street. I think that's implied though, if I have the ability to see or hear the fact that they're having an event.

I would hope to return the favor at some point.

If I had dietary restrictions, I might ask if there is any "X, Y, or Z" in it. Luckily, I don't have any restrictions, and really enjoy good food from anywhere, but other people do have things they can't eat. My previous boss could not have shellfish, for example, due to allergies. There are some peanut allergies out there, too. I also know a few vegetarians and vegans.

lefindecheri@reddit

OP said these are NEW neighbors that you haven't met yet! And they're offering you leftover party food. Would you accept it?

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abqkat@reddit

This happened when I jumped on the sourdough bandwagon! I brought my neighbor half a loaf of bread (we know and like each other, this was not at all weird, we do it all the time), and she liked it so much she pays me to make an extra one for her on baking day! I usually don't take money for my baked goods but she insists and the practice with the bread is great

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zealot_ratio@reddit

I would be delighted. Some of my neighbors might be confused. There is no universal answer here. Th ebest way to approach it would be to give it some social context. "Hi, We're from Brazil, we have a tradition of sharing (event x) food with neighbors, so we'd like to offer you some!'

schmatteganai@reddit

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YoshiandAims@reddit

I accept.

I may not eat it. (I have a bad immune system and severe allergies, plus a very... bad experience with food from someone I didn't know well) I will gladly take it, return the dish well cleaned, and be grateful and glad for the gesture.

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sharpshooter999@reddit

Out here in the rural parts, it's not common at all in my area, but that's because neighbors rarely change. People tend not to move out until they die and then one of their kids/grandkids moves in.

What people are big on is making food when someone dies, especially if it's unexpected. Each time one of my grandparents passed away, we'd end up with a couple weeks of food from the neighbors.

I'd accept it. Love food and I'm not picky. Bet it'd probably be delicious.

Not this exact situation but a few months after I moved into my house, a neighbor from across the street came over with her daughter and said they had made more cookies than expected. Thanked me for taking care of my property and thought I enjoy them.

Big-Leadership-4604@reddit

Definitely had to look that one up! Looks interesting! What sort of taste/flavor do the leaves add? Is it a stew? Or more of a rice topper?

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Royal-Straight-Flush@reddit (OP)

The flavor is unique, there is no equivalent. LOL.

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Big-Leadership-4604@reddit

See now I have too try it!

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Royal-Straight-Flush@reddit (OP)

They are maniva leaves cooked for 7 days (to remove toxins), served with rice (but shrimp can also be served). It has steak inside, bacon, dried meat, bacon, tea, among others.

Is this common where you live in Brazil?

I would be happy to be offered food, especially if the food isn’t the standard fare from the states. I think it’s neighborly and saves the food from going to waste.

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Royal-Straight-Flush@reddit (OP)

In the outskirts of Belém do Pará it is common.

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Last year, a company had almost 50 employees sick from a food Bourne illness after a potluck. some people were hospitalized.

The pandemic also showed that everyone doesn't wash their hands properly.

I am an infectious disease research specialist.

LucyRiversinker@reddit

If it’s feijoada, moqueca, or pastéis. You can bring your picanha to my bbqs, thank you.

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Grindar1986@reddit

I wasn't good enough to be invited and now you're dumping leftovers you can't even know if I'd want on me? No thanks.

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Royal-Straight-Flush@reddit (OP)

If I invited you to a big party at home, would you go?

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Grindar1986@reddit

Depends on the occasion and our relationship. Not close but it's a neighborhood party, sure. Not close and your daughter's bar mitzvah, I'll probably leave to family. If we're close-ish, sure, I'll attend your son's quincenera.

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qu33nof5pad35@reddit

Ive never actually been given food by a neighbor… just permission to pick figs and green onions from their garden.

Royal-Straight-Flush@reddit (OP)

I understand. I would respond that I'm your new neighbor and I wanted us to be friends.

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I would be very grateful and honored

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cdb03b@reddit

Leftovers would be a bid odd if there was no pre-existing relationship. Standard practice is for neighbors to greet newcomers to the neighborhood with purpose made desserts or casseroles as a way of welcoming them. Things made specifically for them, not leftovers from an event.

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EnlightenedCorncob@reddit

We just got some new neighbors. I brought them over a case of beer.

redrosesforher@reddit

I mean, it doesn't hurt to do it if your neighbors aren't racists! It’s a good way of maintaining a great reputation among the community!

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Vivid-Kitchen1917@reddit

I was in the deep south last time a brown guy dropped off food around lunch time to the white lady in the house. Only problem was we got to talking and I was out of charcoal so I had to go get some so we could cook out for dinner. He left a little past dusk with a full belly, some new friends, and a sampling of some great southern cookout.

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Key-Wallaby-9276@reddit

I would graciously accept but I’ve only had that happen one time. Usally you bring the new neighbors food, not the other way around

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Reader47b@reddit

Absolutely, I would accept. Who doesn't like free homemade food??

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Snappy-Biscuit@reddit

Heck yeah! Gimme dat good stuff!!!

I would accept the food graciously but I probably wouldn't eat it. I don't know how they handle their food and I wouldn't trust it to be safe to eat.

I've seen people who leave food out for a week and keep eating it. People who thaw meat on their counter overnight or even for about 24 hours. It's not about where they're from, just the fact that I don't know them at all.

If you're not my friend who I've seen cook, I probably won't eat anything you make.

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Shoddy-Secretary-712@reddit

I bought my first house 16 years ago. The nicer older lady next door brought some cookies over the day we bought it. I ate them

Absolutely would take it and enjoy it. I would then return the dish and invite them to dinner at our place and make new friends.

We always bake some thing and take it over to welcome new folks to the neighborhood.

I also bake Christmas cookies and give them to our neighbors every Christmas.

The guy to the right of us is extra friendly and single and loves apple pie. Couple times a year I’ll send one over just because.

It’s very much a midwestern thing.

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Cloverose2@reddit

One of my friends moved to Hawaii. Their nearest neighbors brought them a nice cookie platter. They washed the plate and returned it with some banana bread.

Tasty food being offered by a new neighbor at my door? I would be SO happy!! I would think it a great kindness and be really happy to meet you.

Bro. I can only dream that my neighbors cook food for me. I have my black neighbors, let's be real here, we already know they know how to cook. I live in a Roux state. So the Gumbo, chicken, and anything else will be fire.

Then I have my Pakistani/Indian neighbors. I've had real authentic South Asian food before and that shit's the bombada. (No pun intended)

I have my Latin neighbors. From Mexico to Central and South America. Do you know what it's like to have to smell that shit? It's torture. That shit smells delicious.

I do have an Iraq/Iranian neighbor but they live further away so it's more like out of sight out of mind but when the wind travels my direction I've caught a wiff or two and that shit is no less torturing than my Pakistani/Indian neighbor's cuisine.

Now there are a few neighbors that I would probably to get my food tested first before eating but if the majority of them came knocking on my door with a plate of goodness. I would not only eat it, I would enjoy it.

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Odd_craving@reddit

Offering food from an expired event is a little dicey. If you're already acquaintances, no problem. But if you lead with leftovers, it could be taken both ways. If someone offered me party leftovers, I'd be gracious and thank them, but I don't think I would do it unless I knew the neighbor.

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CrazySheltieLady@reddit

Oh absolutely I’d accept. But I would hope that I, the established neighbor, would have given food or some other neighborly gesture first.

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t00zday@reddit

Accept the offering gratefully and ask them to come in and share the meal with them. Offer them beverages and get to know them. Share phone numbers in case they need something.

I went to a party given by my new Mexican neighbors. I thought it was a kid’s b-day party so I brought a b-day card and wore jeans and a red checkered shirt. The food was delicious but the celebration was for the child’s first communion and her family was all dressed in church clothes.

After that, you know everyone so if you randomly show up and say, "Hey, I made this amazing Brazilian delicacy for my sister's wedding but I made WAY WAY too much. Can I offer you some?" It won't be weird because they already know you.

Of course, this varies depending on where you live. If this is Manhattan, you would normally try to pretend that your neighbors don't exist. I live in a small town so we tend to be more friendly. Totally depends.

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famousanonamos@reddit

I would be stoked. I know some people are suspicious of other people's food, but I would definitely try it. I would also make something to take to them in the future.

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MattinglyDineen@reddit

I would never turn down free food but I’d also feel bad because I do not cook well so I’d be unable to reciprocate.

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In-with-the-new@reddit

Accept with glee! Especially if it’s their native food!

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I'd be delighted! West Coast native here.

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TheNerdofLife@reddit

Personally, I'd accept, because accepting and giving food is a large part of Asian culture, which is even true for American-Asians like myself. It's also a nice gesture of them trying to get acquainted with people.

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martlet1@reddit

When new people move in we always send over food so they don’t have to order out. Moving in is stressful enough.

I usually cook up some burgers and brats and send them over.

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lfxlPassionz@reddit

Some people would accept it, some won't. Things are very individualized in the US.

Also we never know how safely you handle food so many would take it to be polite but just throw it away because food safety is a big deal.

Our food industry in the US has so many risks involved that the food has to be handled carefully and if we don't know someone well enough to know how they treat food and their kitchen we might not trust it. It's nothing against the person.

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watadoo@reddit

Absolutely. Sounds like a great new neighbor

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rationalsarcasm@reddit

I would accept it.

At worse they'll pretend to be grateful, take it, but then talk about you behind your back

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Dangerous-Lunch647@reddit

I would love it and make it a point to reciprocate with something soon, but it would be even better to invite the neighbors to the party in the first place.

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FormerlyDK@reddit

I’d prefer not to get involved with neighbors too quickly. It’s like opening a door when you don’t really know what’s on the other side of it.

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skateboreder@reddit

I do not think that offering food from a party you weren't invited to would be a normal thing.

The receiving person may, or may not, accept the food...; but this would make for a really awkward introduction to these newcomers.

I think if a neighbor in America typically would feel willing to give or get food these neighbors would invite each other to any said party.

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stroppo@reddit

I'd think it was weird for a neighbor to bring over leftovers. Never had that happen, or known anyone it happened.

I have heard of people welcoming the new neighbor by bringing over baked goods, veggies from the garden, etc. But I've never had that happen either.

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ilp456@reddit

It’s not only odd to be offered leftovers from a party you weren’t invited to but also…how long was the food sitting out at the party? I think most people would graciously accept and then throw it out later if they suspect it was sitting out for hours the day before

But if you’re asking if this is a proper thing to do, the answer is no. Typically, neighbors may welcome someone new to the neighborhood by bringing them a plant, an orchid, something from their garden, something homemade specifically for them like cookies. Often they include their contact info in case the neighbor needs anything (like the name of a landscaper or the best pizza place) or wants to have coffee.

Im Filipino (grew up here in the states) and whenever my family would go to a party, my parents would bring some filipino food. The people we met loved it. Same with Hispanic friends bringing food, Vietnamese, Thai...etc....

That is my perspective from growing up and living in Southern California where there is a huge mix of different nationalities and cultures that migrated here. I can't speak for the rest of the country, they might not be as open to "foreign" foods, but I did work all around the USA with my previous job and almost everyone I met was very open and welcoming, especially when I would discuss my culture.

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flootytootybri@reddit

I would accept and say thank you. Most probably would. But I wouldn’t eat it because I have allergies to things so I don’t eat homemade foods from people I don’t know really well

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East_Rough_5328@reddit

If it is a person I do not know who is offering food left over from a party, I would accept it, thank them profusely but I’m not eating it.

If it is a person I don’t know who brought over something they made specifically for me because they want to share something important to them then I will eat it. I will then have to return the favor (and the dish) filled with something I have made from a family recipe.

I basically had this scenario starting last year. Wife from Cuba husband from Panama. They frequ3ntly give me an extra plate from their meals. I eat with no problem. I generally don't give them food, but I don't cook often. They do love when I smoke a pork butt on the grill and I share that.

They are great neighbors to have, as all my neighbors are. We are all lower income and watch out for each other in many ways.

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Existing-Secret7703@reddit

Seems like none of you read this story: https://people.com/deadly-easter-egg-plot-woman-tried-poison-rival-before-say-authorities-11719031

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Weknowwhyiamhere69@reddit

Hell yes, I would 100% accept, and invite them to a drink

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doublestack@reddit

Nope. I have to know you pretty well before I’ll eat food from your kitchen. I’ve seen people let their cats on the counter while they’re cooking, leave meat sitting out for hours, not wash hands while handling food, and just plain nasty, bug infested houses.

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jtscira@reddit

Invite them in and offer them a drink.

Breaking break is a standard way to meet people.

Yes, even if you don't want the food the polite thing to do is take it and say thank you and talk to the person. Say hi find out a little about them.

Not everyone is polite or knows manners.

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sugabeetus@reddit

Yes! Everywhere I've lived this would be taken as a nice gesture.

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anuhu@reddit

I wouldn't eat old food that's been sitting out. I'm not your trash can or garbage disposal. I might accept it to be gracious but I'm just going to throw it out.

When I was growing up it was tradition to drop off a small gift of fresh baked goods (cookies or a pie, usually) or drinks (wine or beer, depending on the neighborhood) to new neighbors. This doesn't seem to happen anymore.

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eeyorespiglet@reddit

Tennesseean here. Never been offered leftovers, brought a plate, or anything. Only when my parents died were we sent a pizza over from a restaurant by a neighbor i look out for.

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New_Improvement9644@reddit

I probably would have been at the party because when I saw them move in, I made them some of my famous triple chocolate cookies and took them over as a welcome to the neighborhood gift and introduced myself. Brazil is on my bucket list so I would tell them that I am hoping for an opportunity to explore their country. Give them my name and number, point out which house was mine, and tell them I am a good babysitter if they have kids (retired kinder/first grade teacher). I wave whenever I see them drive by.

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introspectiveliar@reddit

Yes I would be gracious and accept it, sincerely thanking them for their thoughtfulness. It wouldn’t matter to me whether they were from Brazil or Delaware. It is a kind gesture.

Whether I would eat it or not would depend on what it was, what the ingredients were, how it appeared to have been prepared and plates. Again though, that would be the case if the new neighbor was born and raised in the same city I was.

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Expensive-Day-3551@reddit

Depends what it is. Baked goods? I’m down. Potato salad or something that could be dangerous if left in the danger zone? I’ll pass.

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Dalton387@reddit

I would see it as a kind gesture. I’d absolutely accept it with thanks and mean it.

I may or may not eat it. It has nothing to do with the food or person, but more to do with my issues around germs. I don’t know this person or how sanitary they are.

I take things to work potlucks. I’ll even it at them to an extent. Anything of mine left over goes home with someone or in the trash. I don’t want anything that so many people have breathed over and had their hands in. Some people are super nasty.

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-Boston-Terrier-@reddit

I'm in my 40s and this has never happened to me but if it did then I'd definitely accept the food. I might not eat it, depending on what it was, but I'd definitely thank the person and take the food.

Offering food from a party you weren't invited to isn't the norm but it's definitely not rude or offensive.

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KickiVale@reddit

I’m an American on the east coast, actually, married to a Brazilian. He finds the culture to be pretty comparable to his upbringing in Sao Paolo in terms of neighborly ways. We would happily accept food, the only time it happened tho was after we came home with a new baby.

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fairelf@reddit

Of course we'd accept. It is very unlikely that they are serial killers or confirmed poisoners.

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AleroRatking@reddit

I have never seen it happen in my life or know anyone it has happened to

Do you Americans accept food from a newly arrived neighbor?

I mean, yeah, I'd accept the food... But it'd be a little weird.

First of all - here in the US it's more common for established neighbors to bring food to the newcomer. It's kind of housewarming gift sort of thing. It's not unusual to bring a new neighbor some cookies or something.

Secondly - it's a little unusual to go around the neighborhood handing out food because you had a birthday or something. Again, it's more typical to receive gifts for something like that.

Rocklobster1325@reddit

Totally. We do the same when someone moves on to our street.

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Dependent-Aside-9750@reddit

This would weird from a new neighbor. You're basically offering up your leftovers as a social introduction. It's something that could be more normal if we were already on good terms socially. ("I've got too much left from XYZ, want anything?")

Offering up freshly made food as some kind of introduction is fine, though it usually goes in the opposite direction - existing residents coming to meet you and bringing it as a gift/gesture.

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Forward-Repeat-2507@reddit

May accept to be polite. eat no so much.

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sassypiratequeen@reddit

Absolutely. But you will also be receiving fresh baked cookies a few days later. I make an effort to know my neighbors

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vingtsun_guy@reddit

Yes, I will eagerly accept authentic Brazilian food from my new neighbor.

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Humbler-Mumbler@reddit

I’d love it. I think most people would accept it graciously. Americans are a lot more open minded about foreign food than they used to be. Even if they didn’t want to eat it I think most would accept it because they would consider it rude not to and would like you more as a neighbor for having done something neighborly like that. They could have a food allergy or be on a strict diet for health reasons, so I wouldn’t assume this, but I think most people who would reject such an offer would just be assholes in general. I’d say there’s like a 10% chance of that happening.

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GrimSpirit42@reddit

Welcoming new neighbors with food is very accepted in the US.

New neighbors introducing themselves to existing neighbors is also acceptable. (and a good way to get invited into the festivities.)

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NinjaBilly55@reddit

It used to be common (60s and 70s) for neighbors to take something to the new neighbors and introduce themselves but I don't think I've ever heard of the situation in reverse..

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CommitteeofMountains@reddit

Dumping leftovers on someone rather than bringing for an event relevant to both might be seen as patronizing and there are of course various cultural and dietary barriers that come up (nothing from a non-kosher kitchen enters my house and items honoring trinitarian holidays are problematic at best), but a detectable accent automatically brings an assumption of good faith cultural difference.

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Far-Tutor-6746@reddit

We did in the 90s and early 00’s

It seemingly died with smartphones entering the world

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Itchy_Pillows@reddit

I would 💯

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Embraceyourodd@reddit

I would accept it and would be grateful to have neighbors who think of others.

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Ayuuun321@reddit

I would accept and thank them for it. I might not eat it, because I have food allergies, but it would not go to waste. I would feed it to friends and family if they were interested in it.

The thought is always there that it could be poisoned, but that’s a terrible way to live. Also, who would poison their new neighbors? That’s just stupid.

I wholeheartedly appreciate the kindness of others and try to reciprocate or pay it forward as much as I can. I also watch true crime, which gives me a hint of paranoia (hence the poison thoughts).

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Acceptable_Cut_7545@reddit

Accept the food gratefully but now I need to make you food. I can't just take free food out of nowhere! I need to message my friends and ask what they think I should make. Banana bread is pretty well liked...

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RaeWineLover@reddit

I wouldn't want to have leftover food from a party unless I really knew the neighbors well. It would be better to ask them if they were interested, hey, we have x leftover from this party, it's safe to eat because y, would you like some?

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vadabungo@reddit

If someone knocked on my door, I’d pretend I wasn’t home.

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silviazbitch@reddit

I’m a standoffish New Englander. We’ve lived in the same house for 38 years. The neighbor on one side of the house has been there longer than we have. We share food, borrow household items, watch each other’s pets, run errands, and treat one another like family. The neighbor on the other side just moved in five years ago, so we haven’t met yet.

That said, if Brazilian neighbors show up with feijoada we’ll be instant friends. I’ll bake them a loaf of bread, my wife will make cookies for them (and their dog), our son will give them a pint of homebrew (ale and porter on tap ATM) and our daughter will make them shakshouka or some other yummy treat.

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spam__likely@reddit

Of all brazilian dishes, feijoada would be a nightmare to bring over. So many components...

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DBDude@reddit

Oh hell yeah! I’ve never tried Brazilian food.

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Sunhammer01@reddit

I love it! I would definitely reciprocate and invite them over as well. It awesome to have friendly neighbors!

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wowbragger@reddit

I would totally accept, that's awesome. I love friendly neighbors.

My wife and I would make a bomb-ass cake as a welcome and return favor. Maybe we get a food swap trend going.

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PartyLikeaPirate@reddit

Yes you accept it & say thanks. Then any icebreakers/small talk

From my experience, I generally only see this in neighborhoods that most the neighbors lived there for 10-20+ years (raising families), know each other well, and own the houses. Someone new moving in is a bigger deal

Townhomes/apartments/condos which are usually mostly rented out, high turnover, it’d be pretty weird to see but I’d accept the gift.

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FlippingPossum@reddit

In my neighborhood, I have eaten random food after hurricanes, during truck or treating, and various other times. I eat potluck food. A church I visited delivered cookies later in the week. Ate them.

The origins of the neighborhood is irrelevant, I would probably graciously except the offer but not eat it. If they made a special meal for me I would accept and eat it.

Two fold reason to not eat it. Primarily: I work on the food industry and I know how carelessly people handle leftovers and how important temperature control is. I would have now way of knowing if the leftovers were handled properly.

Secondly: if I'm not good enough to attend the event I would feel they were just using me as a convenient way to get rid of leftovers. Usually at the end of such events leftovers are offered to guests, not people who were not invited to said event. That just comes across as an insult.

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curiosity_2020@reddit

Food, I'd politely decline. Tapped keg beer that will go flat in 2 days, I'll help out.

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omgkelwtf@reddit

I would be delighted!

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brian11e3@reddit

I'll eat anything at any time for any reason.

Its how the old gypsy woman said I would die!

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theCaitiff@reddit

I think some of the responses you are getting vary a bit based on regions and cultural background. I'm originally from one of the southern states, neighborly exchange is a part of my culture.

At first, I'd be privately mortified if someone new to the neighborhood brought me food first. As the established resident it's my job to welcome YOU to our neighborhood. If you show up on my doorstep with food first it tells me that I failed, but you're still willing to forgive me and be a good neighbor. I'll accept the food but you can be sure that you're getting a barbecue as soon as the weather is nice enough, because I'm now obligated to reciprocate your gesture but also make up for failing to welcome you first.

Not everyone practices the same version but hospitality rules go all the way back to ancient times and some people in the south go hard.

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LewSchiller@reddit

Best Vietnamese Spring Rolls we ever had, made by the neighbors grandmother..so..yeah.

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QuietLawfulness8338@reddit

A total kindness

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fuzzy-lint@reddit

Oh…they offered you LEFTOVERS? I’d say no to that, honestly. Taking home leftovers from a party you were invited to, sure (when host encourages it). Being brought leftovers from someone else’s party is tacky to me personally. Who knows how long it was left out as well, at what temps, with God knows how many flies traipsing across it. Nope.

What IS a tradition where I am from is to bring fresh baked goods to your new neighbor; a loaf of bread, brownies or blondies, cookies, etc.

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SnooHobbies7109@reddit

I’d accept and be totally delighted, also would probably ask if you’d like to come in and share it with me and my fam.

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MeepleMerson@reddit

I would absolutely 100% thank them and accept the gift with a glad heart, and I'd invite them in for coffee or tea (and sweets if I have any baked). I don't know how the "average American" would react, but I would guess that it would be something similar because that's really the American understanding of being neighborly.

In my case, my new neighbors were Indian, and they are fantastic cooks and I love Indian food. We're good friends now. Actually, the wife's mother's cooking is really outstanding. If I knew that some of her cooking was coming my way I'd honestly clean out my fridge to make room.

Mind you, sometimes I'm the one to break the ice. I brought various baked goods to my neighbors after I had moved in.

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cleverfeather1992@reddit

I’m not sure how I’d feel about getting leftovers…can you just invite them to the party beforehand so they can eat with everyone else?

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UnicornBlow@reddit

I would be so fucking excited! You run the risk of getting all kinds of responses though. But God I wish this would happen to me

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GenericUsername19892@reddit

So general rule of thumb, new arrivals to the neighborhood get a baked good like cookies as a gift, and depending on area a recruitment pitch for their church.

Giving someone food food is typically for when Something bad happens, a family member passed, someone is hospitalized, etc. that might make cooking hard.

The exceptions would be parties of different kinds, typically the more a party spills out into public areas the more it’s polite to share with the public. You might do an apology tour with treats to your neighbors for blasting music outside for example - or you may do the tour as a heads up. If the party gets real disruptive it’s not uncommon to just invite them to said party, a sort of offer to ‘if you can’t beat them join them’.

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cnew111@reddit

I would absolutely welcome the food with open arms and be super appreciative that they thought of me.

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Aggravating-Shark-69@reddit

Never had that happen before

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ZetaWMo4@reddit

I’d accept it but there’s no guarantee that I’d eat it. If it’s something I don’t like then I’d throw it away on my own time.

aannoonnyymmoouuss99@reddit

Live in ny, both houses I have lived in neighbors welcomed us with food or wine.

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GSilky@reddit

I would happily accept it and then probably not eat it because I am paranoid. Does anyone ever realize how easy it would be to poison a whole bunch of people? That is what goes through my mind when I see free cookies on a reception counter, I can't turn it off at home.

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Cruitire@reddit

Yes, I would accept it.

But more often in the US, when someone new moves in it’s the neighbors who are already there who bring them food.

The culture here has been to bring the new neighbor something you cooked or baked. I'm in the American South, so it's still very much a thing. My wife and I recently took a cake to new neighbors who moved here from Oregon.

Leftovers, however, would be a no.

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Altaira99@reddit

I would be thrilled, but I don't have any food issues. People with a lot of allergies or who are on restricted diets might not feel able to partake.

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Beautiful_Dinner_675@reddit

I never eat food given to me unless it’s from someone I’ve known a long time and have witnessed their hygiene and cooking habits. I also need to see if their house is clean and they don’t let their cats jump on countertops.

Reason: A friend once made some awesome lasagna for me. I had never been to his house. About a month later, he asked for my help to show him how to use his dead mom’s sewing machine. The house was cluttered as heck, stunk like cat piss AND I had to go through kitchen to get to his awful bathroom. I was horrified to see bugs, food splatter and cats roaming around on top of tables and stove. Glad I didn’t get sick from his gross kitchen. Offered to help him clean many times, but he refused. Said it was his “bachelor way of life.” I said, “good luck getting girls to spend the night here unless you’re paying them.” We remained good friends (I’m female) and even did some work together doing roof shingling. He ate at my house with my family every so often, but I never stepped foot in his house again for fear I’d bring home roaches or whatever. He’s dead now..and I miss him, but I’ve heard the house is now torn down.

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TheBimpo@reddit

I'd be super excited if this happened. I would accept and think that it was a very thoughtful gesture.

I've moved around the country quite a bit in my years. I've never had a neighbor come knock on my door with a gift. I've never gone to a newcomer with a gift. I've always met my neighbors by seeing them outside and striking up a conversation.

This is a quaint idea, but I don't believe this is a common practice in the US.

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mr_miggs@reddit

There is no way I would refuse free food. Culturally what you have described is not common in my experience, but I think most people would view it as a way for the new neighbor to introduce themselves.

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brak-0666@reddit

It's more common to welcome new neighbors with gifts of food than the other way around, but it does happen. I'd consider it a kind gesture and accept it politely.

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1PumpkinKiing@reddit

I would absolutely accept. I think it would be rude not to accept, and I love free stuff, especially food, and food from a different culture is always the best.

But I'm a chef, so you better be ready to receive something really tasty back in about a week. But not much sooner than that, because if you had enough to share with a neighbor you don't know, then you probably are planning on having a fridge full of leftovers, and I don't wanna make things harder on you. Half my family is Mexican, so I know a thing or 2 about insane amounts of leftovers hahaha.

It would be unusual and unexpected, but I would accept it graciously and say thank you. Typically, the opposite has occured in my moves (in the US): as the new person, some of the established neighbors will come over and say hi, maybe offer food (or not).