Tell me about common meals.

Cohousing residents generally feel that common meals hold the community together, and usually serve two or three meals each week in their common house. Eating common meals is always voluntary. In a few communities cooking is also voluntary, but in most cases it is not. However, the cooking (and cleanup) responsibilities can be structured in a variety of ways.

Commonly, a team of two to four persons prepares meals for diners who sign up in advance. Each adult resident helps cook and/or clean up once every five or six weeks. Residents pay only for the meals they eat, with dinner prices typically ranging from $2.50 to $5. Many communities encourage their cooks to provide a vegetarian and children’s option at most meals. Special food requirements are respected, although not every one of them will be accommodated at every common meal.