- Time together uninterrupted by other people or phones
- Improving confidence through learning new skills
- Encouraging adults and children to try new foods and activities increases their willingness to try other things together that they wouldn’t usually
- Bringing in hard-to-reach people. For example, schools have told us that some parents who have attended our courses with their children have not previously engaged in other ways
- Increasing family cohesion
- Better behaviour and study results from better-fed children
- Teaching children practical fine motor and numeracy skills
Meet Colin
Tell us a little about yourself
I worked in the food industry for 40+ years, developing tasty foods that are good for you, affordable and convenient. Throughout my career I was lucky enough to travel the world and be introduced to different cultures and their foods and ways of cooking. I was honoured and proud to have cooked for 1000s of people in the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab. Here, the langar (community kitchen) is the world’s largest kitchen serving a free, vegetarian meal to all visitors. I was also immensely lucky to have worked and lived in Brazil for over 10 years.
Why did you decide to volunteer with Food etc?
I’m lucky enough to be retired and have some spare time to give something back to the community. Food etc is an amazing organisation full of wonderful people who all share my passion for food – what’s not to like?
What do you enjoy most about working with Food etc?
The most rewarding thing is watching the participants learn a new skill or try a new ingredient or product.
What would you say to someone considering volunteering with Food etc?
If you love cooking and talking and have some free time, please come to one of our cooking sessions to see what happens. You will find it very rewarding and a lot of fun.
What is your healthy go-to meal?
For an evening meal I make my own spag bol, using lean minced beef plus 2 large, grated carrots (fiber & sweetness), finely chopped celery (heart & digestive health), canned diced tomatoes, passata, mixed herbs and an oxo cube, and served with wholegrain spaghetti. It’s a versatile recipe – add some red kidney beans and chili powder and you have chili con carne.
Benefits of working with Food etc
Help Food Etc
Donate to Food Etc. to help us teach families how to cook healthy, affordable meals and make better food choices. Your support makes a difference!
