Through the summer we have been working on a very exciting new project we’ve called The Community Cookbook Project. The project is designed to encourage families to cook together and we are empowering them with our easy to follow, family friendly recipes. Our weekly classes have been taking place and we are thrilled to start sharing these recipes with you every Friday. In this blog we want to share some of the success story of our latest project and the feedback we’ve been getting.
About The Community Cookbook Project
This project was sponsored by Caerphilly County Borough Council and was an extension of The Pantri. For those of you that don’t know, The Pantri is an eco-shopping solution for those looking for a sustainable lifestyle on a budget. The Pantri not only provides a low-cost shopping option but reduces landfill from surplus food and contributes to reduced CO2 and methane emissions. It is a sustainable, eco-shopping solution for those on a budget. Food is available from £4 per basket. Membership currently costs £2 for 6 months and is not means tested.
To continue the theme of low-cost sustainability we started a new project, utilising our space at The Pantri to encourage members of our community to participate in learning how to optimise our food offer. We held weekly sessions to individuals and families, helping them cook a low budget meal utilising a replica of the variety of items we have on offer on our shelves.
We will ran three five-week blocks during the May to September 2023 period. Excitingly, this project was able to create two job roles for members of staff. Together they planned and co-ordinated session delivery, supported those attending to create healthy meals as well as designed the recipe cards, and oversaw the overall operations of the events.
Why Did We Start the Project?
In today’s fast-paced world, where everyone seems to be constantly on the move, finding quality time to spend with family can be a challenge. However, there’s one activity that has the power to bring families closer together and create lasting memories: cooking. Cooking with your family is not just about preparing delicious meals; it’s about building and strengthening family bonds.
According to some studies, less that one fifth of people admit to cooking with their children. Cooking provides an opportunity to slow down, unplug from technology, and spend quality time in each other’s company. As you chop vegetables, stir sauces, and set the table, you engage in meaningful conversations, share stories, and create cherished memories.
Our Founder Tara Holloway Scott explains:
Some of my fondest memories involve family meals. Cooking with my family genuinely brings me joy. Not only do your children learn important life skills and build confidence from having the independence to do things for themselves. But they also learn and develop additional skills; numeracy, communication and problem solving all from helping cook dinner. Most importantly, they have fun. A messy kitchen is a happy kitchen!
“The Community Cookbook Project started because we saw a need for this essential lifeskill. In The Pantri we offer baskets of food to our members for just £4. However, what do people do if they aren’t able to put recipes together from these core ingredients? We set about creating the Community Cookbook Project as a way of helping families take control of their food budgets and still provide healthy and nutritional meals every day.”
What Recipes have we made?
Our recipes focus on family friendly meals that everyone can enjoy. Getting creative in the kitchen can sometimes mean one meal for you and another for your picky eating mini-mes. The aim of the Community Cookbook Project is to create meals that children can make with you and then enjoy the fruits of their labour. We’ve made a delicious collection of meals so far. Our Burger Fakeaway proved incredibly popular and was a healthier alternative to a takeaway. Our participants have also made hot pots, and casseroles as well as a collection of desserts.
Want to Support?
We’re always looking for new sponsors for our projects. If you would like to sponsor us, get in touch with Tara today at [email protected].