Meet Gill

Tell us a little about yourself.

I am originally from Scotland and moved to the Bedford area after graduation for a NHS post. I continued to work as an NHS dietitian and manager until my retirement in 2019.  I have two grown up children and live with my husband,  Paul.

Why did you decide to volunteer with Food etc?

I have always worked closely with different groups of people.  I am also passionate about public health through improving the diet of others and supporting people to eat fresh and healthy foods.

What do you enjoy most about working with Food etc?

It’s rewarding  supporting others to prepare and enjoy  the foods and meals they have prepared.

Have you had any challenges?

Ensuring I have sufficient of all the ingredients for all the participants!

What would you say to someone considering volunteering with Food etc?

Sessions can be busy/hectic at times, but it’s very rewarding and enjoyable.

What’s your go to healthy meal – inspire us?

Homemade lasagne with salad followed by fruit crumbles prepared with fruits ( gooseberries, plums, or apples ) from my garden.

Benefits of working with Food etc

  • 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

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!