The house kitty takes care of everything we need for ordinary meals all the cooking staples, fresh and frozen foods, fruits and vegetables, as well as special dinner ingredients and breakfast and lunch supplies. Even ice cream (within reason) is a house purchase. The only things we buy as individuals are private stashes (like Belgian truffles) or meals out.

We all do. Each of us notes down ingredients on the shopping list for the meal we intend to cook, as well as any staples we're out of, or personal requests (favorite cereals, jams, beverages and so on). The person who has volunteered to do the shopping is responsible for keeping to the budget. If items are unavailable or out of price range, the shopper may make a substitution.

Excellent ones! We always bake our own bread, but otherwise there's no typical menu. Popular dishes have included items like mushroom lasagna, crazy chili, almond enchiladas, falafel with homemade tahini, marinated shishkebab, eggplant curry, or cashew-shrimp stir-fry. Desserts are optional; the household is currently equally divided between chocaholics and those who prefer creme brulee.

Mostly, though not exclusively. We serve all-veggie food for meals when vegetarian members are present, or provide a vegetarian option. The house buys some tuna and occasional meat products that people request for making lunches or for certain non-vegetarian dinner dishes. Individuals may choose to subsidize more expensive products themselves.

We accomodate the needs of residents. We've had experience cooking egg-free meals, sugar-free meals, vegetarian and vegan meals, depending on who's here. Since we are a small community, we can afford to be flexible.

With five adult members, we have a minimum of five house dinners each week, sometimes more (including weekend lunches and brunches) on an impromptu basis.

Not always. Because members lead varied lives, we can't all be home for every house meal, but usually a majority of us get to sit down together. We can save food for latecomers. This is what makes shared meals work. We let each other know on our weekly calendar who will be here each night, so the cook can plan ahead.