Commonpoint Hosts Longest Table Event in Forest Hills

Hundreds of local residents gathered for a community potluck event featuring more than 20 tables.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Food and Drink

Commonpoint Hosts Longest Table Event in Forest Hills

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Commonpoint brought the community together in Forest Hills for The Longest Table, a massive potluck event designed to foster local connection. Hundreds of participants attended, contributing various dishes to be shared across more than 20 long tables.

Why it matters

The Longest Table initiative was created as a direct response to the loneliness crisis that grew following the COVID-19 pandemic. By encouraging neighbors to share a meal, the event aims to bridge social divides and strengthen community ties in the city.

The event featured more than 20 tables arranged for the community, which were managed by Commonpoint staff and partner organizations.

The players

Commonpoint

This organization serves as the primary host and coordinator for The Longest Table event in Forest Hills.

NYCNext

This initiative serves as the parent organization for The Longest Table and works to support community-focused projects.

Maryam Banikarim

She is a co-founder of The Longest Table initiative that began in 2022.

Andrew Lerner

He is a co-founder of The Longest Table initiative that began in 2022.

The details

Each table was led by a volunteer table captain to help organize the communal dining experience. Participants brought their own dishes to share in a traditional potluck style, creating a collective meal intended to promote unity among residents.

The Longest Table was co-founded by Maryam Banikarim and Andrew Lerner in 2022.
Commonpoint hosted the event in Forest Hills on October 20, 2026.
Commonpoint plans to hold the event in Forest Hills again in 2027.

Industry Dynamics

The event follows the pattern set by the 2022 founding of The Longest Table in its mission to address social isolation. It reflects a broader trend of local organizations scaling community-based initiatives to combat post-pandemic loneliness.

Local residents can participate by joining future community meals hosted by Commonpoint and its partners. Attendance relies on volunteering as a table captain or contributing dishes to share with neighbors at these public gatherings.

The takeaway

Community-led potlucks provide an accessible way for neighbors to reconnect and combat social isolation. By organizing similar neighborhood meals, residents can contribute to stronger local networks and shared experiences.