Thanksgiving with strangers? MealSharing.com points the way

MealSharing.com thinks no one should spend Thanksgiving alone. That’s why the online company that connects hosts with dinner guests is launching its second ThanksSharing campaign with a Web page dedicated to folks who would be happy to have you at their holiday table.

The sharing economy is embodied by Airbnb (home sharing), Uber (ride sharing) and similar services that let travelers use (or share) whatever you’re not using or have too much of. It lets you meet locals wherever your journey takes you.

In this case, the bond is food being made and served in someone’s home.

MealSharing.com founder Jay Savsani says in a statement that ThanksSharing works “whether a person is traveling, alone for the holiday or simply wants a different experience.”

In a quick look at potential hosts on the ThanksSharing page, I found Martin T. in Argentina (“Barbecue is the best thing we have in Argentina!”); Kristan G. in Jinan, China, who cooks mostly vegetarian meals; and Basque cook Maialen G. in Madrid.

There also are tons of listings in Chicago, and some in New York City and Salt Lake City.

Here’s how it works: Browse the page, contact the host, make arrangements. The cook will respond with how many spaces he or she has at their table, what’s being served and where, and how much to chip in to cover the costs of the meal. You can sign up at the website to host a meal too.

MealSharing isn’t the only shared economy eating site, either. Home dining options are available at EatWith.com and Hush pop-up supper club in the Washington, D.C., area.

Info: ThanksSharing Day Meals at MealSharing.com