A NEW scheme has launched enabling Penzance families to take part in an online cooking course that delivers fresh ingredients directly to their door.
Whole Again Communities (WAC) says it has re-launched its family cook-along to help people on a budget create healthy meals.
Over the course of six weeks, the social enterprise is dropping off food boxes to participating families in Penzance, Heamoor, and Newlyn. These families can follow a video cooking tutorial with chef, Maggie Uwaitse, and whip up a staple dinner.
"We do very simple recipes, as it only takes a few ingredients to make a proper meal for up to eight people. Not everyone knows how to cook and instead, they might end up buying unhealthy ready meals," said Uwaitse.
Last week’s course kicked off with tomato and basil soup and a pasta bake. "It’s a basic recipe but the red sauce can be used again in a spaghetti bolognese or a chili con carne," said Uwaitse.
WAC sources its ingredients from Penzance businesses – to support local businesses and reduce food miles. Dry ingredients, such as flour or spices, are purchased from Weigh Inn, a plastic-free bulk shop, while fresh produce is sourced from Thornes Fruit & Veg or supplied by the charity Growing Links.
Usually, an electric bike or car delivers the ingredients straight to participants’ doorsteps. Food delivery is currently offered to fifteen families in Penzance and the surrounding area, however, anyone can join online if they buy their own ingredients.
"This area is quite a poor area and many people need our help, especially as the prices in shops increase," said Uwaitse. Some families who have joined cook-alongs have been referred from Women’s Aid, the YMCA Cornwall, and local schools.
With the current cost of living crisis, WAC said interest in the course has rocketed. "We already have the full number of participants in this course. And I already have three people booked for the following one," said Uwaitse.
Most families enjoy the fun and supportive atmosphere of the classes. Samantha Johnson, from Penzance, is taking part in the current cook-along with her 13-year-old daughter and two grandchildren.
"Cook-along with Maggie is amazing and supportive and the ingredients are totally free.
"Maggie's team delivers the ingredients to your door so there’s no fuss," said Johnson.
There is a community element to the course, with families uploading inspirational pictures of their cook-along meals on Facebook, and sharing recipes with other friends.
"It's helped me learn new recipes and budget meals that are healthy and easy to make," Johnson added.
WAC is a social enterprise encouraging and supporting people to learn to cook good quality, affordable food from scratch at home. WAC serves community lunches and hosts workshops and events from its temporary premises at the Salvation Army in Penzance.
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