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A Nation of Neighbors

by Lidia Bastianich on Nov 20, 2025

Lidia Bastianich honors America’s volunteers, revealing how giving back unites and uplifts.

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In Lidia Celebrates America: A Nation of Neighbors, Lidia travels America to honor volunteers who form a “nation of neighbors.” This special spotlights those giving time and care—especially through food—showing how sharing meals and fighting hunger unite communities, strengthen bonds, and enrich lives through acts of generosity. 

“There has never been a better time to focus on the goodness and shared bonds of everyday Americans who volunteer,” says Lidia, “and because it’s part of my world, I’m personally moved by the ways in which people give back around a very human need, food”. 

WATCH CLIPS BELOW, FROM LIDIA CELEBRATES AMERICA: A NATION OF NEIGHBORS

Serving Dignity: Lidia Joins No Res Gourmet’s Mission

What began as one man cooking gourmet meals to serve dignity on a plate for neighbors experiencing homelessness has grown into a vibrant volunteer movement. In Altadena, CA, Lidia joins Firas Ayyad and No Res Gourmet as they bring joy, music, and five-course meals to those impacted by wildfires. Watch the story unfold!

Lidia Learns Kiki Ruff’s One-Pot ‘Ruff Rice’ Recipe

Lidia joins Kiki Ruff in her kitchen to cook ‘Ruff Rice,’ a versatile one-pot meal born from necessity. From learning to cook on food stamps to creating Recession Recipes that empower families, Kiki shares tips, humor, and heart—proving confidence in the kitchen can change lives. Watch now!Lidia Learns Kiki Ruff’s One-Pot ‘Ruff Rice’ Recipe

Japanese Curry with Chicken Cutlet at Ikoi No Kai

Garlic Pasta at SAME Café: A Pay-What-You-Can Kitchen

At SAME Café, in Denver, CO, you can pay for your meal by volunteering your time, donating what you can, or bringing fresh produce. Watch chef Lidia Bastianich embrace the café’s mission by sharing her simple garlic pasta recipe — and discover how food, dignity, and creativity come together in this welcoming kitchen.

Japanese Curry with Chicken Cutlet at Ikoi No Kai

At Ikoi No Kai in Portland, OR, Japanese elders find comfort, culture, and community. Lidia visits this cheerful space, and enjoys Chef Naomi’s Japanese Curry with Chicken Cutlet. Volunteers share why they give their time — and why this haven of belonging and resilience matters.

District 10 Market: Lidia Explores America’s First Free Grocery Store

Imagine a grocery store where everything is free. At District 10 Market, Lidia sees how local farmers, volunteers, and city leaders unite to fight food insecurity — giving neighbors access to fresh, healthy choices in a groundbreaking space.

Cooking Frittatas Like a Pro with Lidia

Lidia joins the community leaders and advocates who helped bring San Francisco’s District 10 Market to life — Ahsha Safai, Geoffrea Morris, Cathy Davis, and Maggie Shugerman: the District 10 Dream Team! In the kitchen, Lidia teaches them how to prepare frittatas featuring fresh, local produce from the market.

Gathering Around the Table: Lidia Hosts Volunteers at SAME Café

At SAME Café in Denver, Lidia hosts volunteers from Lidia Celebrates America: A Nation of Neighbors for a beautiful meal that’s more than food—it’s about sharing ideas, gratitude, and hope. Around the table, they discuss food access, community, and the power of giving — proving that connection begins at the table.