In historic and scenic Winter Park, Florida there is a love of culture, connection, and conversation. On its famous Park Ave, restaurant owners and their patrons alike hop from table to table to spend the evening talking with one another and learning about each other. It was at Rollins College, in the heart of Winter Park, that Breaking Bread began. Inspired by the world around us, the goal was simple: build connections through shared meals and experiences.

Founded by Joseph Pool, Breaking Bread was inspired by the community around him and his own Moroccan Jewish heritage in which shared meals with family and friends connected him to those who came before. Clearly he was not the only one who found enjoyment and engagement through food. In its first week of advertising, Breaking Bread broke Rollins records and welcomed nearly 100 members to the table. From that day, it has continued to grow and the members have become closer.

Breaking Bread has already proven its potential. In November 2023 we hosted the Festival of Light and provided Christian, Jewish, Muslim, and Hindu students an opportunity to share their beliefs and culturally-significant food while focusing around the common theme of light. Dozens of students attended as well as professors, administrators, the College’s President, and members of the local community. At the entrance, Breaking Bread had members of different faiths pick up a piece of bread, break it with each other, and eat it. Thanks to this and the excited participation of everyone, the event went an hour after it was supposed to end with former strangers sitting at the same tables and becoming lasting friends.

Breaking Bread hosted monthly opportunities for its members to have themed food and sit with one another to learn about each other. Meetings always start with the symbolic breaking of the bread that best fits the theme. Events were hosted with the Student Interfaith Council, the Pinehurst Organization, the Rollins Improv Players, the Center for Leadership and Community Engagement, and Dining Services. Rollins students to faculty to trustees to members of the Greater Orlando area have taken up the call to build connections through shared meals and experiences. Will you?