Hundreds of people in Hackney will benefit from new cookery classes which harness the power of plants to bridge the generation gap.
The sessions are being run by pioneering vegan community kitchen charity Made In Hackney in response to demand from older people for inter-generational classes.
They are being funded by an £83,000, two-year grant from City Bridge Trust – the City of London Corporation’s charity funder.
Alongside the cookery courses, the grant will fund five ‘community feasts’ a year aimed at bringing older and younger people together to cook and eat.
City Bridge Trust Chairman Giles Shilson said:
“In the past few years, vegan cuisine has become big business, but with more than a decade under its belt, Made In Hackney has been a trailblazer in promoting healthy, plant-based eating.
“It does a fantastic job of bringing people together through food, and teaming up older and younger generations will help tackle social isolation and promote stronger, more cohesive communities.”
Alongside cookery classes, the Clapton Common-based charity also runs a community meals scheme delivering 1,000 meals a week to people in need.
Made In Hackney Development Manager Fran Humber said:
“Cooking using fresh fruit and vegetables is a way for people to improve their diet as part of a healthier lifestyle, and they can also save money as cooking plant-based food from scratch is very affordable.
“We’ve had people come along who’ve been able to improve their health, manage existing conditions and also to make friends and feel more connected with the community – that’s the ideal outcome.”
People can register for the inter-generational cookery classes by emailing [email protected] or calling 020 8442 4266. More information is at www.madeinhackney.org
