Grant Supports Expansion of SERC Food Poverty Project

SERC’s Food Poverty Project has received a boost with a grant of £5,000 from the Austin and Hope Pilkington Trust.

The funding will support a series of ten live cookery lessons by SERC culinary arts students, who will demonstrate to SERC staff, students, and the local community how to cook nutritious meals using common groceries found in emergency food parcels, as well as fresh, affordable ingredients when available. 

The food poverty project involves SERC culinary arts students in practical projects which answer a real need in the local community. These include hosting a Community Christmas Dinner each year for foodbank clients and offering frozen meals to take away.

Principal Lecturer Paul Mercer is delighted that the project can now expand: 

“Foodbanks are, sad to say, an essential resource for many families and individuals. However, the groceries on offer aren't always the healthiest options. We want to demonstrate to people that cooking healthy meals doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. These workshops will hopefully empower foodbank users to create delicious and wholesome meals that support their overall well-being, stretch their budgets further and help reduce food waste. Students will be involved in the preparation and delivery of these demos, supporting their learning through work on a real-life project.” 

A key element of the project will be to highlight the importance of planning and preparation to help with budgeting and ensure access to nutritious meals throughout the week. This can also lead to a greater sense of stability for individuals and combat food insecurity.