Independent cafe Potter’s Pantry has started a cooking class for Chipping Barnet foodbank beneficiaries. There, they can learn how to make a feast out of the little available from their food parcels, reports Leïla Davaud
As the cost of living crisis continues to make food harder to afford, the Chipping Barnet Foodbank has become a lifeline for people struggling to make ends meet. Last year, it distributed 7,835 parcels to members of the community.
But receiving a food parcel is only part of the challenge: beneficiaries also have to work out how to turn those few ingredients into meals.
Which is why, on a Tuesday evening, Lisa Violino grabs her apron and approaches Potter’s Pantry’s big wooden table. It is covered in tins and cooking utensils. The Italian chef is used to hosting cooking classes, “but this one is even more special,” she says.
In the comfort of the local cafe, four men surround her quietly. They eye her every move. Finally, she clasps her hands and asks: “How are your chopping skills?” They all grab knives and follow her instructions.
Watching nearby, Jean Gibb smiles at the scene. She has been the co-owner of Potter’s Pantry in New Barnet for the last eight years. She says: “I also volunteer at the Chipping Barnet foodbank every month. I was able to see who would come, what they would take and started to think about what they could make out of it.”
Jean came up with the idea of a cooking class and suggested it to Lisa, who immediately agreed to join. The recipe of the day is a vegetarian chilli. Lisa Violino explains: “Meat can be too expensive, but it doesn’t mean that you can’t eat something consistent and delicious without it.”
Lentils, chopped tomatoes, onions, kidney beans… Everything ends up in a pot to cook slowly. In the meantime, the participants get to know each other better.
Mattie signed up for the class as soon as he heard about it. He explains: “I was nervous when I arrived. Nervous about learning and about seeing people but it is great! I had seen the others in passing at the foodbank but we never talked.”
The 61-year-old dips a spoon into the chilli and tastes it. “I definitely don’t use enough spices at home. Next, I want to learn how to cook a stew, it’s my favourite food!”
His cooking buddy for the evening, 38-year-old Luke, stirs the concoction patiently. “I’m happy Jean and Lisa started these lessons. I hope they do more, I want to come back.”
Jean reassures everyone: “As long as people want the classes, I will host them. I’m hoping to make it happen every six weeks.” She continues: “I am pleased with how it turned out. We have music on, people get to know each other. They get to take home what they prepared together. It’s special, it’s organic!”
Gibb worked in mental health for 20 years before opening the cafe. “It feels like going back to what I used to do a little. I try to give a space for people to socialise and there is nothing better than food to bring people together and fight isolation.”
Peter, 59, quickly realises the class goes beyond what he came here for. “I initially came for social interactions but I am really getting on board with the cooking. I usually do fry-ups and microwave meals and this is making me want to improve my skills.”
Agreeing with him, Jamie, 41, admits: “It’s easy to be lazy when it comes to cooking. It is a real skill and it is sometimes a bit discouraging. I keep to pasta and grill mainly but it is good to learn new recipes and how to cook them with very little. It inspires me to try more.”
Jean was hoping for this outcome. “Another project I have is to make recipe cards that can be placed in food parcels. All of them would only use what the foodbank can provide,” she explains. Lisa adds: “People need to be able to feed themselves with what is available to them.”
For now, Jean is focused on developing the food classes. Recently, she added a small section to the cafe’s menu. “Clients can decide to pay an extra £1 or £2 that will be donated to the project. It would help to buy more utensils and single-ring electric hobs.”
The goal is to have enough to grow the class and have it moved to the foodbank. “Until then, Potter’s Pantry will host. We are closed in the evening so it is natural to use the space for members of the community. We’re all in this together!”
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