Have you ever caught the scent of a beloved dish and been instantly transported back to a cherished moment? Food has a powerful way of connecting us—not just to our past, but to one another. Whether it's the herbal tea your mother always made when you were sick or a dessert your neighbour crafted with ingredients from their homeland, these flavours carry heritage, memories, and love. May 15 marks the International Day of Families, a day recognized by the United Nations to highlight families' essential role in shaping individuals and communities. It also raises awareness of the social, economic, and cultural factors that influence family life globally. When we paused to think about what consistently brings families together, one answer stood out: food. Research from the University of Oxford shows that the more often we share meals with others, the more likely we are to feel happy and satisfied with our lives. For thousands of years, families around the world have developed unique food customs shaped by geography, climate, history, and culture. These shared meals don't just fill plates; they build connection, preserve heritage, and celebrate identity. In honour of International Day of Families, let's explore some cool food traditions that continue bringing families together worldwide.

Celebrating the food traditions that unite us

North America The food culture across North America reflects a rich and diverse multicultural population. From tamales to poutine to butter tarts, North American cuisine blends regional flavours, generations of immigrant influences, and unique culinary traditions together. This fusion of food cultures has made potlucks a cherished custom at family gatherings, holidays, and celebrations. A potluck is a shared meal or event where each guest brings a dish, creating an opportunity to connect over food. These dishes often reflect personal backgrounds, family recipes, or newly discovered products, making every potluck a celebration of culture, community, and good taste. Whether it’s a backyard BBQ, an office lunch, or a festive holiday get-together, the spirit of a potluck reflects what food is really about: bringing people together. Asia Across Asia, tea is more than a drink; it’s a cultural cornerstone. From the meditative rituals of Japan’s matcha ceremonies to the frothy flair of Malaysia’s teh tarik, tea traditions reflect centuries of history, healing, hospitality, and heritage. In China, tea symbolizes respect and social connection; in India, spiced chai is a daily ritual woven into the rhythm of life. Whether it’s shared in silence or over spirited conversation, tea serves as a common thread connecting communities across the continent. Today, its cultural impact is evident in the global popularity of tea shops and modern tea rituals inspired by these age-old traditions. Africa African food culture emphasizes hospitality and community. A powerful shared custom across West, East, and Southern Africa is the practice of communal eating, where meals are eaten from a shared dish, often by hand. This tradition reflects deep-rooted values of togetherness, respect, and generosity, transcending regional differences. Whether it's jollof rice in West Africa, ugali in East Africa, or pap in Southern Africa, meals are rarely solo affairs. Instead, food is a shared experience, enjoyed in a circle accompanied by conversation, storytelling, or music. We see this spirit of communal eating echoed today in potlucks, shared plates, and family-style meals around the world.

Delivering moments that matter

At The Erb Group, we’re proud to help deliver the diverse foods that keep family and cultural traditions alive. As a leader in temperature-controlled transportation, we ensure that fresh ingredients and the meaning they hold reach tables across the country, bringing families closer to the meals that preserve connection and belonging. No matter what’s on the table, the real magic is in the act of sharing a meal with those you love. Whether it’s a bowl of hearty stew passed down through generations or a fresh head of lettuce from a local family-owned farm, food has always been a way to bring us together. What’s a food tradition or ritual that brings your family together? Let us know! Looking for a family activity to honour the day? Try out a new recipe or print out our International Day of Families colouring page and discuss the different food cultures around the world! Download colouring page