Is it rude to go to a potluck and not take any food because you can't afford it?

Question

Can I show up later?

Answer 1

If you want to go, you should probably take something like a loaf of French Bread or a bag of rolls

You could make a pasta salad very cheap.
Get macaroni noodles
cut up a bag of baby carrots
a bell pepper
Put cubes of cheese in it.
can of drained, pitless olives
ranch or italian dressing.

A lot of these items most people will have at home, should cost you maybe $5-6.

Answer 2

No I do not think it is rude. Obviously you were invited to this potluck because people wanted you there. I think they probably want you there for the company, not just for your food. If this potluck has a lot of your friends or family there they will all just be happy you are there and will not care about the food. Almost everybody has been in a financial situation before, so do not feel bad about this, just go have fun.

Answer 3

I've only been to church potlucks and everyone there would rather the person show up with nothing then not come at all (usually unless its some rude person no one likes lol) We always want the company

Answer 4

There are a lot of things you can make cheap!! ( I am talking under 5 bucks) Like, A big bowl of mac n cheese, add a can of chili, mix it up. top it off with chopped tomatoes and/or onions.

or you can make some dip...... big container of sour cream mix in a packet of french onion soup mix (Liptons) top it off with chives, serve with crackers, carrot stix, or celery.

Or just bring some paper plates, ice, or even a six pack of soda or water, or a jug of tea or lemonade.

If you do not plan on bringing something, show up late, or at least get at the end of the line when the start serving. It is not nessasarily "rude" but it would be to jump at the head of the line if you did not contribute to the dinner.

Answer 5

show up a little late,not too late cuz that's rude! You can buy a whole watermelon for 3 bucks now everyone has them on sale cut that baby up in perfect triangles put it on serving platter and voila you spent 3 bucks!!!!!!!!!!! If you can't afford 3 dollars at this time just show up a little late! And maybe down the line when things are better for you, you can recipricate in some way!

Answer 6

Not all people in a potluck party bring food, so I guess not, but you can bring something that is really cheap or something that you can make at home like ice. People usually forget to make or bring ice because it something that they take for granted but it is the most important item.

Answer 7

Are you going to eat? If so, it is proper to take something. I time I went to a potluck and was very short on cash, but I went and bought a box of Little Debbie brownies and put them on a plate. I figured at least I brought something. Now if I wasn't going to eat then who cares.

Answer 8

It is rude to do that. I mean, really you can't afford to make rice?
If you want to go late and not bring food, you should call the host/hostess and explain to them you won't be eating (like because you have a prior dinner engagement or something)
if you can afford to feed yourself you can afford to bring something. Try cooking some dry beans.

Answer 9

If you weren't eating there what would you be making to eat at home. Casseroles and hot dishes are pretty inexpensive to make. And the rule of thumb is that you only have to take a dish big enough to feed your family since everyone wants to try a little of everything, nobody is taking a full serving of anything.

Answer 10

YES! I am broke all the time - figure something out to bring (even if it is a bag of chips & dip) or don't go. If you show up late, the host will still encourage you to eat - then you will be late AND didn't bring anything - bad news.