THE COMMUNITY COOKERY SCHOOL

The classes gave me hope and really encouraged me to live a healthy life. Learning to cook on a budget helps me to plan my meals and buy the right kind of food to cook in the cheapest but healthiest way. I feel really encouraged to eat plant-based foods and be healthy and develop a healthier lifestyle. When Sareta cooks she’s so inspiring and highly motivating. The cooking classes were very hands-on and enjoyable.

It’s inspired me to cook at home even more than I did and has given me my life back in a very good way. It’s good for my mental health and it’s also inspired me to make changes to my diet. I eat more fresh produce, less meat and fish and I’m more experimental with vegetables and tofu. I have been overwhelmed by how much kindness there is throughout Made In Hackney’s services. How much everyone genuinely cares about what they do and wants to share their knowledge and skills.

I’m pretty much housebound at the moment after being ill. The classes are a great way for me to get out and meet people. The vegan food we learn to cook is very important for our health but just as important is the friendly ambiance and opportunity to meet different people. I particularly enjoy Nena’s classes. I love how she approaches food holistically. She sees food has a healing element. She teaches you about traditional Nigerian dishes and how to make them vegan. I’m Nigerian so I really relate to this. Her classes are amazing.

I’ve learnt a great deal about alternatives to the meat oriented dishes I was accustomed to eating and also about healthy eating and basic kitchen skills such as how to cut properly with a knife. Cycling in Hackney to deliver meals helped me get more familiar with the area and feel connected to my local community. I’ve enjoyed meeting people with different perspectives. There’s also been a lot of creative insights into how MIH works and the lovely community that provides such a positive experience. I’d say it’s pretty hard not to make new friends here if you get involved.

I’d like to express my gratitude for the incredible support and impact your diabetes management program has had on my life. The focus on healthy cooking and eating has been a game-changer. The incorporation of cooking sessions tailored to Afro-Caribbean cuisine has been exceptionally beneficial. These sessions enlightened me on using less oil, increasing vegetable consumption, and reducing starch but also allowed me to continue enjoying our cultural foods. It’s been a transformative experience that has struck the right balance between health and cultural authenticity.

I really enjoyed the cooking classes. I learned to peel veg, cut and chop things in different styles, what knives to use, how to hold veg if it has slippery skin and how to use a stove and oven by myself. I liked meeting new people, chatting and making friends. I’m really proud of the apple crumble I made at the family cooking class with my Mum. It smelled like cinnamon and I especially liked the crumble on top. At the end of the class you get to pack your leftovers in your Tupperware and bring home to share with your family and show them what you’ve made.