Every year on September 28th, communities across the United States recognize National Good Neighbor Day—a holiday built on kindness, connection, and the simple joy of being there for one another. In a time when so many people feel more isolated than ever, this day reminds us of the value of community. It doesn’t take much to make someone feel cared for. Sometimes, it’s as easy as sharing food.

This year, Bob’s Red Mill is leading the charge with its campaign centered around “Moregetherness”. It’s their way of describing the magic that happens when people come together over a shared meal. Whether you’re inviting someone over for a casual pizza night or leaving a plate of homemade cookies on the porch, these small acts turn neighbors into friends and make neighborhoods feel more like family.

A Partnership Rooted in Kindness

To bring this vision to life, Bob’s Red Mill partnered with Ben and Erin Napier, the beloved stars of HGTV’s Home Town. Known for restoring houses and reviving community spirit in Laurel, Mississippi, the Napiers were the perfect choice to showcase how food can strengthen connections.

As part of the collaboration, Erin Napier shared one of her favorite recipes—a treat she has been baking for years whenever her neighbors welcome a new baby. Her Zucchini Oatmeal Bars aren’t just delicious, they’re a symbol of care and generosity.

Erin explained that these bars are her go-to gift because they strike the right balance: wholesome, comforting, and not overly sweet. They’re a reminder that food can nourish both body and spirit, making them the perfect recipe for National Good Neighbor Day.

The Recipe That Brings People Together

The beauty of Erin’s zucchini bars lies in their simplicity. All you need is a grated zucchini, a squeeze to drain the excess water, and a few pantry staples mixed together in one bowl. Bake, cut into squares, and you’ve got a snack that works for nearly any occasion.

Unlike traditional desserts, these bars aren’t cloyingly sweet. They’re hearty enough to be enjoyed as a grab-and-go breakfast, light enough for an afternoon pick-me-up, and thoughtful enough to give as a homemade gift. Erin says that whenever she delivers a fresh batch to friends, the gesture always sparks conversation, laughter, and gratitude.

When I tested the recipe myself, I quickly understood why it’s so beloved. I set a tray of bars out in the office and within minutes, they had vanished. Colleagues who normally pass on sweets were suddenly asking for seconds. The bars didn’t just fill our stomachs—they lifted our spirits.

The Power of “Moregetherness”

That’s the heart of Bob’s Red Mill’s Moregetherness campaign: the idea that life is better when we share it. Food has always been a universal language of care. A plate of zucchini bars might not solve the world’s problems, but it can brighten a neighbor’s day, welcome a family into a new chapter, or remind someone they’re not alone.

National Good Neighbor Day is more than just a date on the calendar—it’s a reminder to pause and connect. Sometimes it’s a simple knock on the door with a dish in hand. Other times it’s an invitation to sit, eat, and talk. However it looks, the act of sharing matters.

Fans React to Erin’s Recipe

Since sharing her recipe, Erin Napier has received a wave of appreciation from fans who admire both her culinary touch and her neighborly spirit. Social media lit up with photos of zucchini bars being baked in kitchens across the country, with many commenting on how easy and rewarding the recipe turned out to be.

Some fans even joked that Erin may have found herself a brand-new career path. “Forget HGTV, Food Network should be calling Erin Napier next!” one person quipped, while another added, “If she keeps sharing recipes like this, she’ll have her own cooking show in no time.”

It’s all in good fun, of course, but it highlights the impact of her simple yet heartfelt gesture. Erin didn’t just share a recipe—she shared a piece of her life, a tradition that reflects the true meaning of community.

A Recipe Worth Sharing

As September 28th draws near, Erin’s zucchini oatmeal bars stand as more than just a baked good—they’re a reminder of what it means to be a good neighbor. So, whether you whip up a batch for your own community, host a casual dinner, or simply drop off a plate of cookies, let National Good Neighbor Day inspire you to spread kindness.

Because sometimes the sweetest connections aren’t found on screens or through big gestures, but in the small, thoughtful acts that remind us we’re all in this together. And if Erin Napier really does end up on Food Network one day, we’ll all be able to say: it started with zucchini bars.

Ingredients

  • 1 cupshredded Zucchini, from 1 medium Zucchini
  • 2eggs
  • 1 cupmilk
  • 1/4 cupwater
  • 3 Tbsp.maple syrup
  • 2 Tbsp.melted coconut oil
  • 1 tsp.vanilla
  • 1/4 cupbrown sugar
  • 3 cupsquick cooking rolled oats or old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1/3 cuporganic unbleached white all purpose flour or Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour
  • 1 Tbsp.flaxseed meal
  • 1 tsp.baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp.fine sea salt
  • 1/2 cup

chocolate chips plus extra for sprinkling

Direction

  1. Step 1Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with parchment and set aside.
  2. Step 2Place shredded zucchini between two paper towels and drain very well.
  3. Step 3In a medium bowl, mix wet ingredients together. Then add dry ingredients, stirring in drained zucchini and chocolate chips last.
  4. Step 4Pour mixture into prepared baking dish, sprinkle with additional chocolate chips, and bake for about 30 minutes, until set.
  5. Step 5Let cool, then cut into bars for breakfast or squares for snacks.

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