Community Cooking Nights: An Agent-based Model for Promoting Healthy Eating and Social Cohesion

The current food practices in high-income countries are characterized by unhealthy and inequitable patterns that strain environmental resources. This study proposes a community-driven solution: a free cooking night utilizing rescued local fruits and vegetables to encourage healthier eating habits, promote local produce, and enhance social connectivity. Using an agent-based model, the study investigates the factors influencing participation in such initiatives and their impact on eating habits and social cohesion. The model operates over a 20-week timeline, evaluating the effects of weekly cooking nights on residents’ health and social engagement. Simulation findings indicate that community cooking nights can effectively promote healthier dietary habits, increase social connections, and potentially lead to weight management improvements.