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December 2024 – January 2025 : Solidarity READ ONLINE

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Come cook with us

August 01 2024
© Emdad Rahman © Emdad Rahman

A community-led cookbook in Barking & Dagenham aims to empower residents, including those experiencing homelessness, to prepare nutritious, low-cost meals. By Emdad Rahman

A council cost-of-living survey this year in Barking & Dagenham has shown that one in two residents said they either skip or have fewer meals because they can’t afford it. Food also ranked number one as a top pain point for residents, followed by gas and electricity bills, and rent or mortgage costs.

The survey also showed that one in three residents were unable to cope with the cost-of-living increase. Working with local people of diverse and different backgrounds, and on various stages of the social ladder, the council launched a community-led cookbook in a bid to support local people to cook tasty, nourishing, low-cost meals from scratch.

For those operating on the frontlines, this initiative has proven particularly helpful in supporting local homeless people and rough sleepers in various London boroughs. As a result, copies of the free publication have been shared with those experiencing homelessness, who now have an opportunity to prepare and consume good food on a budget.

The cookbook, titled Come Cook With Us is proving to be popular with those who are sleeping rough on the streets, as well as with residents of homeless hostels, in temporary accommodation and people who for various reasons are facing economic challenges and struggling to make ends meet.

Julia (not her real name) is from Chiswick, West London, but is constantly on the move. Her life is spent moving from one location to another and she recently joined a community of homeless people living in tents in the car park of a shopping centre. It was short-lived, as after two months the developers moved in, completely cleaning out the commune of tents that had taken over the once-secluded spot.

Julia has a sensitive digestive system and is careful about what she eats. She found the cookbook to be a great resource, and through donations from shoppers, was able to create her own recipes to prepare and consume. Her favourites were the chicken noodle soup, and daddy’s pizza – a simple recipe shared by leader of the council Darren Rodwell.

“I might be on the streets, being moved from pillar to post but I can’t just eat any food shoved in my face,” said Julia.

“Some people are thoughtful and ask what I would like to eat, whilst others will shove their half-eaten burgers into my lap. I’m needy but do have dignity and self-respect.”

Julia has been able to prepare simple, nourishing meals through ingredients bought for her by visiting shoppers. Two local restaurants have allowed kitchen staff to heat or toast food for her. “These kind acts let me eat my choice of food, which doesn’t harm my gut, is simple to prepare and delicious, too.”

Cooking clubs were also offered as a space for anyone to come along, learn and to share their own recipes, tips, skills and food stories.

Councillor Saima Ashraf, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Community Leadership and Engagement at Barking & Dagenham Council, said: “Everyone should have the confidence to cook a wholesome meal from scratch at a low cost.”

The community cookbook is a way to empower people to cook and share and enjoy delicious food from the comfort of their homes.

“So, whether you’re a beginner when it comes to cooking, or more experienced, this cookbook is for everyone,” continued Ashraf.

“I was delighted to contribute a recipe and we are grateful to those who have shared their wonderful recipes with us. I hope that this book helps to preserve them, as well as celebrate the rich culinary heritage, knowledge and skills within our community.”

The council has continued to work with community partners to support people who are struggling, as well as homeless people and those residing in hotels, which includes help with money, food, energy, wellbeing and more, both online and face-to-face at local community hubs.

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December 2024 – January 2025 : Solidarity

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