- 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 David
Tell us a little about yourself
Born in Canada, brought up in Kenya and finally settling in England in my late teens, I am a solicitor and director/partner at Austin and Carnley Solicitors. During my career in the criminal justice system, which started in 1998, I have seen a lot of good and bad. It has shown me that life is not always as straightforward as it seems. It has made me realise that there should always be help for people who, through whatever circumstances, cannot help themselves.
Outside of work I enjoy sports a lot. I have just taken up open-water swimming and enjoy early morning mountain bike rides through Bedfordshire and beyond. I love watching rugby (having stopped playing in 2007).
Why did you decide to volunteer with Food etc?
I was drawn to Food etc because its mission aligns strongly with my own values. Food is more than nutrition – it’s dignity, community and possibility. I want to be part of an organisation that helps people in need and empowers them through skills, education and shared experience. Food etc felt like the perfect place to contribute my time and energy in a meaningful way.
What do you enjoy most about working with Food Etc?
The people. So far I have met Julie and Jennie through networking and have admired them and their commitment to Food etc. I have met the other Board members as well and they are equally as committed to Food etc. I am looking forward to meeting everyone else and contributing as well.
Have you had any challenges?
As a person with a broad smile and gregarious attitude to life my biggest challenge is to stop talking in the office (comes down to all the advocacy I do in Court!).
What would you say to someone considering volunteering with Food Etc?
Do it. You don’t need to be an expert just bring your willingness to help and an open heart. Food etc. welcomes people as they are, and there’s a role for every personality and skill set. You will learn a lot, meet wonderful people, and feel the difference you are making from day one.
What’s your go to healthy meal – inspire us?
After a long bike ride my go to is an onion, cheese and oregano omelette with avocado on the side and washed down with tea from the farm in Kenya where I spent my childhood.
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!
