In Stourport, there is a growing need for accessible cooking skills and healthy eating habits. Stepping in to address this issue, Food Share Wyre Forest and Community Cafe, based at the Walshes Community Centre, have launched an inspiring initiative. Enabled by a Community Wellbeing Grant from Worcestershire County Council Public Health, they have been able to purchase fridges to save surplus food and use it for their cooking sessions.
The ‘Make it and eat it Monday’s Cooking Project’ offers cooking courses for the local community, teaching participants how to cook healthier meals on a budget using surplus ingredients. The Foodshare and Community Cafe fund all food supplies, ingredients, and containers, while also encouraging and funding participants to complete allergen awareness and food safety courses. Local volunteers are trained in these areas to ensure they can support future courses.
The health and wellbeing outcomes of this initiative are significant. Participants learn valuable skills such as following recipes, identifying ingredients, maintaining health and safety, food hygiene, knife skills, keeping a workspace clean, and trying new tastes. These skills not only promote healthier eating habits but also foster a sense of community and support.
A recent one-to-one cookery session with Ollie is a testament to the project’s impact. With his mum by his side for support, Ollie prepared a meal, including a main and dessert, to take home to his family of five. He learned essential cooking skills and gained confidence in the kitchen. Ollie plans to cook more at home and hopes to return to help in the community kitchen!
The sustainability of this project is ensured through the continuous use of the purchased equipment for future courses and sessions delivered by volunteers. By offering courses to mums, dads, and carers, the initiative helps develop their skills and knowledge of cooking healthy, nutritious meals for their families, while also avoiding food waste.
If you wish to apply for a Public Health community grant to support healthier lifestyles, please visit our website for more information: Community Wellbeing Grants | Worcestershire County Council