Rising energy costs are making it difficult for people across Greater Manchester to cook nutritious meals. In response, FareShare Greater Manchester has launched a new project to provide slow cookers to 1,000 people in need.
Slow cookers are a more energy-efficient way to cook than a standard oven, and they can be used to prepare large batches of food that can be eaten that day or frozen for later. The project also includes training sessions on how to use slow cookers and how to prepare healthy meals.
The aim of the project is to help people save money on their energy bills, eat healthier meals, and build confidence in their cooking skills.
What is the idea behind the project?
We know that people across Greater Manchester have been struggling more than ever with rising energy costs, making cooking nutritious meals difficult.The slow cooker offers an economical, fuss-free way to cook healthier meals. Slow cookers are more energy efficient to run than a standard oven, costing between 4.08p and 10.2p per hour to run, in comparison, a typical electric oven costs around £1 per hour. Food can be prepared in large batches that can be eaten that day or frozen for a later date.
Who is taking part?
We are working with 18 charities from across Greater Manchester. These charities will distribute 1000 slow cookers across their members. Some of these individuals will have previous experience of using a slow cooker. For others it will be a completely new way of cooking.
How does it work?
Our partner charities have attended a ‘Teach the Teacher’ event at Manchester United. They have been taught several low-cost and healthy slow cooker recipes by the football club’s chefs. They were also given a tour of the stadium. Next, the charities will conduct their own training sessions with individuals who use their services and issue slow cookers for them to use at home. Participants will be provided with recipe cards that use ingredients we commonly receive at FareShare Greater Manchester.
A Facebook group has also been set up so that participants can share their experiences, and provide support to one another. This will also be used as a tool to see how they are getting along and to gather feedback.
“We now feel equipped to teach our community about the benefits of using slow cookers. We were surprised to realise how much less energy they use and how they can encourage our families to eat healthily.”
-Rachel from the Cherry Tree Project in Stockport
What happens next?
As part of the initiative, if the slow cooker has been useful to the participants- it’s theirs to keep! The aim is to help build confidence for those who may not have much experience of cooking at home. Additionally, to make it an enjoyable experience.
Are the recipes available online?
We will be sharing some recipes both online and in our monthly newsletter- you can sign up here.
