Cookery course helps food bank visitors master healthy low-cost meals

Visitors to Hackney Foodbank have been attending a weekly cooking programme - learning how to create well-balanced, low-cost meals.

Run by FEAST With Us (FEAST), the Healthy Eating on a Budget sessions took place at the Salvation Army in Hackney and covered topics such as food groups, sugar awareness, food labels, budgeting, food safety and hygiene.

Six participants cooked up a storm; mastering chickpea and spinach curry, chili con carne, shakshuka, apple crumble and much more.

Sandra Jacome, Healthy Eating on a Budget Programme Coordinator for FEAST, said: “In this vibrant and supportive environment, participants had the opportunity to prepare a diverse array of delicious meals, each dish a testament to their growing skills and the unique culinary flair they brought to the table. The shared experiences in the kitchen not only forged strong bonds among participants but also sparked the exchange of innovative cooking ideas, often utilizing ingredients sourced from the food bank to transform simple items into delightful and healthy dishes.

“It has been incredibly heartwarming to observe the significant boost in confidence among participants as they learned about nutrition and experimented with various ingredients. Many who once found cooking intimidating are now embracing it as an enjoyable and rewarding experience, turning their newfound knowledge into practical skills that they'll carry with them.

“We sincerely thank everyone who participated in and supported this incredible experience. Special thanks to Gav and Mary, the Pastors and leaders at the Salvation Army in Hackney, for their outstanding support and collaboration!”

The programme concludes with a recognised Level 2 Food Safety and Hygiene course, followed by a graduation ceremony.

Daniel was among those taking part. He said: “It was wonderful – I learnt lots of new things; especially how to balance your plate and how to use the resources you get in your food bank parcel.  I’ll keep in touch with quite a few of the people I met on the course.”

Shantel also took part. She said: “Because I’m diabetic I was interested in this course and how to keep my sugar levels down. It has been so rewarding – even my big daughter is going to join the course in January.”

The next course takes place from the 16th of January and is open to food bank visitors. To sign up, email merline@hackneyfoodbank.org