Cracking Good Cooking Sessions

Summary of Cooking Activity: January 2010 January 2014

Year 2010 2011 2012 2013 Total 49 62 85 86 282 Sessions Community Public 10 28 41 45 124 69 90 126 131 416 Total 1153 1275 971 2457 5856 Participants Community Public 107 325 515 516 1463 1260 1600 1486 2973 7319 Total

A Manchester based cooking network

We have run over 400 hands-on cooking sessions We cook in the community and with the paying public We cook from scratch with local seasonal food We have cooked with over 7,000 participants We have cooked with over 60 organisations to date We run cooking programmes and individual bespoke sessions We have over 100 volunteers & 20 cooks We train people up as co-ordinators and cooks We are a not-for-profit social enterprise We boost our local economy by buying local and employing local people We are a part of Manchesters sustainable food network

E-mail us

Adele Jordan adele@crackinggoodfood.org Juliet Lawson juliet@crackinggoodfood.org

Call us

0845 652 2572 Adele Jordan 0791 067 3113 Juliet Lawson 07815 113510

www.crackinggoodfood.org
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Cracking Good Food Manchester Ltd - A not-for-profit social enterprise limited by guarantee - Company Registration No. 7369862 -

Where we have cooked so far

Please click here to see the full map with a list of location

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Abbey Hey Primary School, Gorton ........................................................................1 Adactus .............................................................................................................................1 Barlow Hall Primary School, Mersey Bank Estate, Chorlton.........................2 Benchill Primary School, Wythenshawe ..............................................................3 Bite .....................................................................................................................................4 Cheetham Hill High Street Revival .........................................................................4 Chorlton Arts Festival .................................................................................................5 Chorlton Community Central ...................................................................................5 Chorlton Good Neighbours ........................................................................................6 Chorlton Green Farmers Market .............................................................................7 Chorlton Green Festival..............................................................................................7 Chorlton Library ...........................................................................................................8 Contour.............................................................................................................................9 The Dandelion Food Community ............................................................................9 DEP (Development Education Project).................................................................9 Dial Park Primary School, Stockport .................................................................. 10 Didsbury Dinners Low Carbon Cookbook: Book Launch ............................ 11 Didsbury Dinners ...................................................................................................... 12 Emerge / Fareshare Zipwire Fundraiser ......................................................... 12 Feeding the 5000 ....................................................................................................... 13 Food Futures ............................................................................................................... 14 Friends of the Earth Festival.................................................................................. 16 Glebelands City Growers, Sale............................................................................... 17 Growing Manchester at Hulme Garden Centre ............................................... 18 Hickson & Blacks Delicatessen, Chorlton ........................................................ 18 Jamie Olivers Food Revolution ............................................................................ 18 JNR8 Youth & Community Centre ........................................................................ 19 LEAF: Link in Education & Farming .................................................................... 19 Loreto College ............................................................................................................. 20 Lost Plot Allotment ................................................................................................... 20 Love Food Hate Waste 2011 - 2012 ..................................................................... 21

Love Food Hate Waste 2013 2014 .................................................................... 22 Love Food Festival ..................................................................................................... 23 Manchester Art Gallery............................................................................................ 24 Manchester City Council .......................................................................................... 25 Manchester Food & Drink Festival ...................................................................... 25 Manchester International Festival ...................................................................... 26 Manchester Mental Health and Social Care Trust, Hi Tea Event, Albert Square ............................................................................................................................ 27 Manchester Museum ................................................................................................ 28 Manchester Youth Service. ..................................................................................... 29 Mersey Bank Estate. Riverbank Community Caf & Market Garden. ..... 29 Mosaic Young Persons Drug & Alcohol Service, Stockport ......................... 30 Recycle for Greater Manchester - Museum of Science & Industry Fashion or Rubbish fashion show...................................................................... 31 NACRO ............................................................................................................................ 31 Natural Recovery Sale .............................................................................................. 32 Nell Lane / Arrowfield Estate, Chorlton ............................................................ 32 OLC (Europe) Ltd ....................................................................................................... 34 Oldham Borough Council ........................................................................................ 34 OTAGS Old Trafford Amateur Gardeners' Society ......................................... 35 Pankhurst Centre....................................................................................................... 35 Probation Service (Greater Manchester Probation Trust)......................... 36 Reddish Vale Technology College ........................................................................ 38 Salford University...................................................................................................... 39 Social adVentures ...................................................................................................... 39 Shoots............................................................................................................................. 40 Stockport Council ...................................................................................................... 41 Tonge Moor School, Bolton .................................................................................... 42 Trafford Health & Wellbeing Day based in Stretford ................................... 42 Unicorn Co-Operative Grocery............................................................................. 42 Unity Festival, St. Margarets Primary School, Whalley Range. ................ 43 Young People Support Foundation ..................................................................... 44

Cracking Good Food Manchester Ltd - A not-for-profit social enterprise limited by guarantee - Company Registration No. 7369862 -

COMMUNITY COOKING
Community Group / Client 1. Abbey Hey Primary School, Gorton 2013 Cool for School Blog Cool for School Photos What we achieved We spent a very busy day cooking with 60 Year 4 kids. They were split into groups of 20 at a time and we taught them how easy, cheap and delicious savoury filled pancakes are to make. They loved them! Photos Feedback

The event was brilliant, the session was fun, the children really enjoyed taking part and they learned a lot about healthy eating in the process. Thanks, Vicky. Yr 4 Teacher. 2. Adactus 2013 On a particularly windy afternoon, the CGF team set up the Cooks On The Hop stall in Miles Platting as part of a fun day for Adactus Housing Association residents. There were craft stalls, workshops and a bouncy castle, so, to keep up everyone's energy, we made spiced gram flour pancakes stuffed with a tasty veggie filling made using donated produce from Fareshare. Our cook Maz, along with volunteer Claire, sauteed mushrooms, onion and garlic and the mixture was then served on a bed of lettuce and tomatoes and rolled up into delicious handheld pancakes, which went down like hot cakes! Everyone went away with the recipe to try themselves at home.

Filling Station Photos

Cracking Good Food provided us with some fantastic food for our Summer Festival in August. Residents thoroughly enjoyed the really tasty recipes and were pleasantly surprised that they were made from ingredients from Fareshare in Openshaw. Isobel Howard. Resident Involvement Officer, Adactus Housing Association

3.

Barlow Hall Primary School, Mersey Bank Estate, Chorlton 2013

We ran 2 x 4-week cooking programmes with the parents at the school, funded by Southway Housings Community Fund. Driven by a very focused member of the schools staff, the enthusiastic response and results exceeded all expectations. 2 participants from the first programme then volunteered to help at the second. Over the course, they cooked up vegetable stir fry, chicken & vegetable Madras curry, fishcakes & salsa with poached eggs, stew, fruit cheesecake, Rendang curry & tasty chicken wings. We supplied everyone with a useful Spice Starter Pack at the end of each course so that they can continue to use their new-found skills. We also provided them all with their own cooks apron.

Results: 100% participants found that cooking by scratch can help make your money go further. 17% were consuming 4+ pieces of fruit and veg per day at the start of the course, whilst, 77% were doing so at the course end. 100% said that they had made new friends. 22% didnt feel the session could be improved, 44% would have liked longer sessions or a longer course, whilst the remaining 3 people said they would have liked a smaller group; more vegetarian/vegan recipes or to be able to do more cooking. 89% chose being given some more ideas of meals to cook at home as one of their top 3 reasons for doing the course. Feedback: Go along and learn something new, have a laugh and educate yourself on healthy diet, gain confidence in cooking Really enjoyed it and would have loved to do another few weeks The course is brilliant and you learn a lot Learns you alot and meeting new people. Am proud of myself with this cooking Had a great first class today, thank you I just really enjoyed it and 100% would love to cook with you again Motivated to be bothered to get kids interested in healthy food - Loved it all thanks Thank you so so much - great people Enthusiasm and excitement of instructors & sense of fun rubs off. I find cooking at home less boring now. Truthfully everything. After completing 2 very successful Cracking Good Food 4 week courses, the parents and myself are sad to say Good bye. Tracey, Miranda and Kim have been one of the best outside agencies I have had the pleasure of working with! CGF team have delivered what they said on the tin and

Food was provided by Fareshare North West, a charity that re-directs short dated food from composting to those in need. On occasions participants were able to take a bag of surplus fresh fruit & veg home. Various Barlow Hall Blogs Malaysian must haves Photos Home made fish cakes & salsa Photos

We were keen to know whether attending the sessions contributed to feeling more positive about their skills in the workplace and specifically the catering industry. 56% felt that their chances had improved because they know more about food, that good food doesnt cost as much as theyd thought and one participant would like to explore jobs in catering.

Barlow Hall get chopping Photos Let them eat fishcakes! Photos Spicing Things Up Photos Open Sesame Photos Stew & Strawberries Photos:

All felt their confidence (when cooking) had improved over the course, with 56% feeling their confidence had greatly improved.

more! They have provided all equipment/ food/ everything. From a school point of view we provided the room, tea and coffee and not forgetting our lovely parents! CGF team have given many parents not just cooking experience. But skills for life, to impact on healthier children and themselves! This has been one of the best experiences I have been able to share with our parents. The CGF team has changed not only the way I look at food and food waste, but that of a school! A BIG thankyou from all the parents and most of all ME! Hope to carry on with this great work! Sharon, Barlow Hall Community School Oct13

4.

Benchill Primary School, Wythenshawe 2013 4 week course, funded by Manchester City Council. For parents and their children at the school.

We ran 2 x 4-week programmes for parents and children after school, cooking up dishes that they chose themselves from our display of 10 options. We cooked up pasta sauces, Punjabi dhal and chapattis, burgers and spicy wedges, stew & dumplings, pizzas, lasagne & savoury pancakes. Each group received a Spice Starter Pack at the end of the programme: various spices, herbs, fresh ginger, garlic, chilli and lemons, to help them on their way so that they could make dishes again easily at home. They didnt want the cooking to stop! Top this photos Discovering the sauce photos

I loved cooking with my son, plus the food was gorgeous. Brilliant teaching Rachel Making pizza with my son and daughter Tyra and Tydell and havein a giggle while makin it Naomi Plenty of equipment for all & working together as a team, learning and sharing the making of pizzas from scratch Mary Had a brilliant time learning about different foods and ways of cooking foods I wouldnt have thought of to give the different tastes Mary I have really enjoyed cooking with the team & being able to use ingredients & spices Ive never used before - Anna Thank you for this opportunity Hayley and Jonathon Learning how to make a lasagne from scratch and using different vegetables instead of meat Anna Making something I have never tried or never tried to make before. Trying new things such as sunflower seeds and beetroot Emma Overall I have enjoyed this experience so have my daughters. I have used ingredients I never thought of using before ie lentils rosemary, fresh beetroot Anna

Various Dial Park School Blogs

For me all the event was enjoyable because its an entirely new and nice experience Adebola Had a lovely experience and will definitely use this to my advantage Anna Definitely going to attend the next sessions at Benchill Primary School Mary We ran 2 outdoor cooking sessions based at their allotment in Southern Cemetery with their clients who have learning difficulties No future funding available at the time. Hopping In Great Outdoor Blog What aspects did you find particularly interesting / useful? I learnt all aspects, I learnt how to hold a knife correctly which was good and how different flavours of food went well together Rowena Well organised, professionaldelivered in a relaxed manner. Knowledgeable, effectively involved all attendees in the preparation and cooking of both dishes. I found the recipe print out useful as well as the nutritional info. It also helped that the food was very tasty! - Dan The following responses were given when asked what aspects they found interesting/useful: Social engagement | Getting the community together/ New cooking skills | Meeting new people | getting children involved. Nothing (could be improved) I loved it and thought (the session) was perfect - A Sharmoon. The beetroot was a new fascinating thing, also the parsnip was enjoyable - A Ilyas 100% said they would cook the dish again Buddleia worked with Cracking Good Food to deliver a shop and cook session in their pop up shop unit25 on Cheetham Hill high street in November. We worked with local parents and their children to shop locally and seasonally, then cook together back in the shop space. It was really great way to engage parents with their children, many of the vegetables had not been used by the group before and it was an impressive menu produced on a very small budget. It was a really inspiring and thoroughly enjoyable day, everyone learnt something new that day. Kerenza McClarnan. Curator.

5.

Bite 2010 Partnership between Manchester Mind & Manchester Mental Health & Social Care Trust Linked to Harp. Work with people who have experience of mental health issues.

6.

Cheetham Hill High Street Revival 2013

In November, we went up to Cheetham Hill to get a group of local residents cooking from scratch in the Unit 16 empty shop run by the Buddleia organisation. We "reclaimed the high street", shopping local for the veg to make our saag aloo, raita and gram flour pancakes. It was a really inspiring event and free for participants, who were really keen to help out Cracking Cook Kim and the days assistant Maz.

Shopping and Chopping Blog Shopping and Chopping Shop Local Photos Thanks to Matthew Shanley for these great photos!

7.

Chorlton Arts Festival 2010 and 2011 Open to the general public shopping in the Chorlton Precinct, for over 2 years. Live Lunch on Chorlton FM Blog Radio Days Blog In Air For Second Time Blog Chorlton Arts Festival Street Feast Photos

We collaborated with Chorlton FM, twice, to cook live on air. We ran another outside Quality Save. We cooked Mumbai sweet & sour lentils, Bengali mushrooms, fish cakes & naan bread. The footfall was enormous and the interest was very high. We applied for funding to use the empty radio station unit as a drop in cooking station but were not successful. This is always subject to funding. We were only able to run these sessions because of our LFF funding.

What aspects did you find particularly interesting / useful? What you have to put in first because when I am older I will need to (k)now and I do now Xena Learn how to cook with my hands - Jock Great for kids to have an opportunity to prepare, cook and eat their own food. Thanks for the opportunity - Lisa An inspired concept - Dee People are really enjoying it. The staff are very nice and helpful Marina The ingredients were interesting and also what was useful was that you got to know what particular ingredients were good for which things/food Matilda They are great informative interactive Kate Do them more central and in schools! - K McClare

8.

Chorlton Community Central 2011 Members of the Skills For Success training programme.

We ran a one-off, hands-on cooking session with a group of teenagers. Participants learnt to cook two easy and tasty veggie stir-fry dishes and then everyone sat down to eat at the end.

We were working on a funding bid Stir-fries For Success Blog with them to develop further collaboration, especially within areas Photos of Adult Learning, but this was not successful. We have also given a presentation to their Skills for Employment group.

What aspects did you find particularly interesting / useful? Use of some unusual ingredients. Looking at the nutritional value of the food Karen It was cooking quickly 2) Save time and money as well 3) Enjoy to cook Matt and Zohreh Joining a new group. Participating in the cookery activity. Enjoying the tastes of new flavours and textures Tracy Preparing the dish before cooking. Learning about using different flavours and ingredients I would not normally use Conor The order in which you cooked the food Carol I have learnt some cooking today, it was great. I am going to try at home Matt and Zohreh Both tutors were very friendly, helpful and explained everything in understandable detail. They also gave help and tips with regards to recipe Tracy

9.

Chorlton Good Neighbours 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and ongoing.

We have run sessions there for 4 years now, and have cooked a wide range of dishes with them: Pasta, Stews, Soups, Pumpkin Pie, Parkin, Fish, Tofu and even Moules Mariniere. Many of the group are quite elderly, and some have quite conservative tastes in food, whilst others are more adventurous. There is a wide range of cooking ability and we try to maintain a balance between dishes that they might be familiar with and introducing them to new ingredients & flavours. We will continue to cook with them as long as funding allows.

I have been very impressed with CGF, in particular their willingness to receive feedback and adapt to the clients needs, and the low key, friendly manner in which the cooking sessions are delivered. Helen Hibberd, Co-ordinator, Chorlton Good Neighbours What aspects did you find particularly interesting / useful? Considering I haven't had stir fry before I really enjoyed this meal Kathleen Different ingredients in stir fry were new to me anonymous It was all interesting, especially learning how to make suet pastry + to boil pumpkin/squash to make peeling easier. Tasty! Gemma The combination of pumpkin sweet potatoes mushrooms. Excellent programme Jenny Very entertaining & informative Joyce Watching the ingredients cook and eating them later Wendy Everything was explained so clearly, it was good that we could ask questions Enid Good atmosphere Dorothy and Peter Everything was very enjoyable Jean Cooking and demonstration together Halina General atmosphere. Very sociable also Barbara It was interesting finding out about new vegetables that I've never heard of Susette Clearly explained in detail + I'm going to try this out June Very nice, happy atmosphere. Easy to follow Joyce Baines

Community group for the over 60s. Various Chorlton Good Neighbours Blogs Gone fishing Photos Stew good Photos Chorlton Good Neighbours Photos

10. Chorlton Green Farmers Market 2010 For the general public. An awareness event.

We cooked up apple & parsnip soup as an awareness and profile-raising exercise at this local Christmas farmers market outside the Horse & Jockey. We developed new contacts with the producers of fine food there. We launched here in 2010 so these were our first ever cooking workshops. We have cooked there twice since. Unfortunately the festival wasnt running in 2013 as there were not enough people available to organize it but theyre hoping to get it off the ground again in 2014 and wed love to deliver workshops there again if we can find the funding. In 2010 we cooked stir-fry. In 2011 we cooked Punjabi stuffed parathas and dhal. In 2012 we collaborated with Stretford Pizza Ovens to make pizzas from scratch. We ran rolling fully participatory workshops throughout the day with groups of no more than 8. Everyone then sat down to eat. In 2011 we ranked first out of 13 great projects for Manchester City Councils U Decide scheme to run our session at the Chorlton Green Festival 2012. Video of Cracking Good Food at Chorltons Big Green Festival 2011

Questionnaires were handed out, asking people what theyd like to cook with us. We have been able to act upon this information in developing our public and community programmes.

11.

Chorlton Green Festival 2010 (launch), 2011 and 2012 For the general public.

What aspects did you find particularly interesting / useful? 2010 Really enjoyed learning about the basics and creating a meal to share Leanne Local produce team effort. Good idea for local groups except schools etc. to encourage healthy eating. Good luck with your venture Katie Group teamwork was enjoyable and using tofu and sauces made a big difference to the food that Ive never used before. Lovely people in charge Rhosyn The speed and simplicity of making stir-fry. Discovered some veggies Ive not used before. Staff very helpful Vicky 2011 Listening to all the top tips of how to kneed and make the chapattis. You would never get that in a recipe book Rachel I have always enjoyed everything at Cracking Good Food! Rachel Demo how to cook chapattis properly by a real expert. The whole demo was excellent, friendly, educational James and Eva How to use spices for the dhal very tasty dhal Mark + Hanae Finding more elaborate + delicious ways to make things I can sort of make already Katie Using a variety of new spices Great event, fun + good organisation - Sarah How the instructions were easily set out Harry Spice mix & eating parathas for first time very enjoyable - Emma Barrett

Short film of us in action cooking pizzas at Chorltons Big Green Festival 2012

Cracking Day for Cracking Launch Blog Spice Girls Blog Pizza Action Blog Cracking Good Food Launch Photos Big Green Birthday Photos Pizza the action Photos

Using different spices, watching the expert - excellent way to spend 1 hr for little money Gayno How to make curry without using fat really enjoyable + great value Fran Specialty cuisine Yumm...Great session, I'm glad there was a vegan option!! - Luke 2012 How the instructions were easily set out Harry Everything. Was lovely. The people and the pizza was excellent Eliana Finding new food types (and tasting them before putting on pizza) Billie Making + resting dough. Adding a pear for sweetness + less is more for topping James The whole experience was awesome from the start. Especially baking outside Scott Really enjoyed learning about the basics & creating a meal to share Leanne Using pears in a tomato (pizza) sauce cooking in charcoal oven Liz It was fun! Non judgemental so anyone can come Liz Yes using spinach and pears for pizza Ali and Nargis This was more of an informative event with the members of Glebelands able to talk to people about what they had picked that morning and what they were cooking. The library kindly provided a prize hamper for those that entered their name into the raffle. The hamper was made up of freshly picked produce from Glebelands that morning.

12. Chorlton Library 2010 For the general public.

From Plot to Pot. A cooking session with Glebelands Market Garden, Sale, using their organic seasonal produce picked that morning. We cooked a delicious soup with seasonal squash, cavolo nero and nutritious faro grains. www.glebelandscitygrowers.co.uk Funded through the library. No more funding available.

Cooking Books Blog From Plot to Pot Photos

13. Contour 2013

In July and August 2103 we pitched up for financial inclusion events in Salford & Oldham, cooking up savoury stuffed pancakes for the residents using food sourced from Fareshare NW. We also provided 75 Take Away Kits which contained the raw ingredients, a breakdown of the costs so that people can see how cheap it is to make & recipe sheet so that it could be easily replicated at home. What a take away!

Following on from the fantastic feedback weve had from our previous road show in Salford, we would love to acquire your services again for another road show that were putting on in Oldham on 22nd August Mr Rob Davies, Financial Inclusion Officer. Contour Homes

Blog Curry in a hurry Photos

14. The Dandelion Food Community 2012 Tree Of Life centre in Wythenshawe General community group instigated through Sustain Right Curry On Blog

Harjinder taught participants how to make a fabulous vegetarian curry using affordable vegetables & chickpeas with her secret blend of spices which made this even more delicious. Funding permitting we would like to run more sessions with this group.

What aspects did you find particularly interesting / useful? The name meaning + origin of the food. Also, the Asian way of making an Indian dish Julie The use of spices, bit of this & bit of that like Alchemy Pauline Everything very interesting/useful, and edible. Many thanks Peter Find out how 2 cook Indian food Carol

15.

DEP (Development Education Project) 2013

In collaboration with the Development Education Project (DEP) www.dep.org.uk we ran 2 x 5week bread making courses. For 3 hours each week, a group of 10 worked with our artisan baker Rob,

I liked sharing and making the pizza and focaccia Zienab Every moment was surprising for me, especially when I was making focaccia because its new for me. I am very happy today - Gulsham I found new things for example, anchovies, fish, rosemary flower and crunch. Now I am confident in

5-week breadmaking courses for unemployed adults living in Greater Manchester, with priority to residents from Old Trafford, Chorlton, Whalley Range, MossSide, Fallowfield and Old Moat. This was based at St Margarets Centre, Brantingham Road, Chorlton, M21 0TT Various DEP breadmaking sessions Blogs

cooking up a range of breads: soda bread, wholewheat, rye, bagels, pizza, focaccia, finishing off with hot cross buns and Chelsea buns for their celebratory party and certificate presentation. The skills they learnt and the confidence they built up over the 5 weeks was remarkable. They all want to continue to meet up with their newly found friends, to cook! A recipe book was produced to accompany this project Naughty, with spice Photos Well raised Photos Soda so good Photos This was our first course. We realized that a one-off cooking session can leave an impression but far more input is needed to change peoples perceptions and habits for the long term and to genuinely increase their skills & confidence. We ran a series of 4 sessions with the school kids and their parents. The first week was intended as a demo just to warm things up gently but the kids couldnt wait to get stuck in. The parents werent so interested....at first, but the enthusiasm of the kids won them over and by the end of the 4th week, we had a group of parents

baking Gulsham Going through the making whilst being demonstration. I will remember the actions - Liam I found it interesting when my bread rose up to the tin and when Rob described the definition of yeast very clearly and his hand made bread was amazing Rozina I was excited about bread making. I learned basic bread today, it was great. Its so easy and interesting Amber Development Education Project ran a 10 week Bread Making course for unemployed adults at St Margarets Centre early this year. We worked with Cracking Good Food who provided the expertise and equipment and the participants on the course were all really inspired by the passion and knowledge of Rob the Baker as we affectionately called him. Clare Cowell. Director DEP Flat pack Photos All you knead is loaf Photos Baking hot Photos Click here for testimonial from Jill Smith, Business Manager, Dial Park Primary School The team have provided a brilliant experience for our parents @ the school, thank you Jill Tasty event, something new for children to eat which they enjoyed Natalie Getting everyone involved *using sharp knives and showing the safe ways *knowledge of ingredients + combinations Blake Try to cook different kind of food. THX I really did enjoy cooking tonite. I never try before cooking stir-frys food. Is always good learn something new. I LOVE IT!!! Justyna Helped this time and did not sit on my bum Ian The squashing one in mash and fish Lewis Heyes The way garlic makes yogurt spicy Ryan

16. Dial Park Primary School, Stockport 2011

For parents and their children at the school. 4 week course, funded through the Co-operative Membership fund. They wanted to set up a cooking club when we left (they were so enthused) but due to lack of funding /help sadly this hasnt happened yet. Various Dial Park School Blogs Cool for School Photos Stockpot in Stockport Photos Currying favours Photos

who were intent on setting up a cooking club. Once encouraged to help (as we phrase it), they were in. We are actively pursuing funding opportunities with the Departments of Health & Education about delivering more of these courses, but have not been successful to date.

I liked the way everyone was involved and like the burgers we made. Peeling carrots and grating them Russell + Danielle Yeah I have learnt how you can get your children to eat vegetables in a meal Clare All ingredients for stir fry, which, will try at home Natalie Heyes I really did enjoy cooking tonite. I never try before cooking stir-frys food. Is always good learn something new Justyna Kids tasting new things Colette Trying different food that I would not normally get. Also I did it with my daughter so it was nice doing it with just her Emma I found the cooking very useful, all the tips came handy Natalie I really did enjoyed Justyna All of it was great. I would be happy to come again it was fab Gemma Children involved with veg + cutting of it with making dumplings Natalie

17.

Didsbury Dinners Low Carbon Cookbook: Book Launch 2011 For the general public, promoted by The Albert Club and Didsbury Dinners. Many were Club regulars Didsbury Dinners Blog Didsbury Dinners Photos

Based at the Albert Club in Didsbury. This was a demo event to help promote the cookbook. We cooked up our recipe from the book a vegetable jalfrezi. Everyone took the recipe home. We have sold many copies of Didsbury Dinners: the Low Carbon Cookbook, at our public cooking sessions. All proceeds go back to help fund further projects.

Audience were very friendly and interested, asked lots of questions about the food and the Low Carbon idea. Everyone seems to enjoy the food and were keen to take the recipe to try at home. Nicola (volunteer)

18. Didsbury Dinners 2011 Funded entirely by sales of the Didsbury Dinners: Low Carbon Cookbook For low income individuals who had a lack of cooking skills, selected via an application process handled by Didsbury Dinners Veggie Good Blog Rookie Cooks Blog Feeling Chilli Blog Learning to cook Photos Rookie Cooks round two Photos

A 4-week low carbon (vegan) course based at the Didsbury Sure Start Centre. The group cooked up stir fries, pasta dishes, curries & a Mexican feast followed by a delicious vegan chocolate mousse! Run in collaboration with Amanda Woodvine, editor of the book. All proceeds go back into community cooking projects. They are now running a Level 1 course themselves with the help of volunteers who they have trained up. We continue to sell the book and incorporate much of the valuable content in our handouts.

19. Emerge / Fareshare Zipwire Fundraiser 2011

With other Manchester chefs we cooked up Risotto & Vegetable Jalfrezi with short-dated food that would otherwise have gone to landfill or compost sites. We continue to work with Fareshare who donate food for our community cooking sessions where possible. We also collaborated with Fareshare & www.feeding5k.org to raise awareness

What aspects did you find particularly interesting / useful? Too bad course is only 4 times Mario How simple it is to make tomato sauce Smelling new spices Swapping tips and ideas - A friendly tutor/chef has been very helpful! Pricilla All Aspects. Brilliant. Tasted wonderful Jo Stir-frying, making the dressing tips to reduce energy/time Curries! And how easily tomato sauces can be made. I love the curry! Soyoung All the yummy quick recipes were useful & delicious P.Reilly-Hurst All the different ingredients, some of which of I had not seen put in use before. The co-operative between the students in chopping etc was fun Jo Real good value meals Patricia Loved the enthusiasm of the teachers! I enjoyed finding about the different herbs and spices to make it tastier. Covering of all the basics, explaining chopping techniques and how to make dressings. Friendly atmosphere, would like to know how to grow my own veg if theres a handout on that! - Rebecca Tips for chopping garlic keeping veg fresh in the freezer + doing it in batches Alison Interesting to see different veg Ive never used before Graeme New veg and how to chop. Really enjoyed the recipe Michael Would you recommend the course? Yes, oh yes; To everyone I know: Yes, definitely! This was not a participatory event as our concern was to work with Fareshare, bringing an awareness of their redistributing of short dated food to community groups. It was a fundraising event to help bring in desperately needed funds for this invaluable community work. Thanks very very much again for your support with the Zip slide. Please pass on sincere thanks to your team, they were really great and the food was yum. Lucy Danger, Chief Executive Emerge 3Rs / Fareshare.

Event open to the general

public in Salford Quays outside the Lowry Gallery & Theatre Getting Your Fair Share Blog Cooking challenge Photos

of food waste in Spring 2013 at the Feeding the 5000 event. There we cooked with unwanted short-dated food (see separate item below).

20. Feeding the 5000 2013

In addition to the main event, Cracking Good Food cooked with and fed almost 800 additional people in 3 outdoor pods, cooking up curry with the public, on the hour, from 12 till 4. It went on a lot longer of course People were staggered by the huge amount of perfectly good food being wasted when so many families have insufficient food. All the fresh food used was supplied by Fareshare, the charity that re-distributes unwanted, short dated food. Over a third of the worlds food is being wasted. Join the global movement against food waste by signing the Feeding 5k pledge and get involved www.feeding5k.org Nearly a tonne of veg was chopped by 40 volunteers the previous day, one of whom was 91 years of age!

www.feed5k.org In June 2013, Cracking Good Food, Manchester Friends of the Earth and Fareshare NW collaborated with International Campaign group Feeding the 5,000 to cook up a free feast in Piccadilly Gardens in central Manchester, for

Has the event changed your thoughts about wastage? Food for thought! To use leftover ingredients for a healthy meal There are ways to use out of date food I sometimes do, but hopeful I want to change Not to waste food I will try to use up all the food and even give leftovers to friends No food should be wasted as we can make some nice meals from them Feed leftovers to our 4 chickens How to cook food to keep nutrients & try to minimise wastage Not really, already a convert & try to save food Make an effort to use food efficiently Will now try and use up more items Alot, and inspired me to cook like this more often because sometimes its tempting to get a take-out Crazy how much food is wasted I think there should be school cooking classes. I enjoy cooking with my son. Thank you Try and keep an eye on food before it spoils Will be more careful

5,000 people, with food that would otherwise be wasted. Funded by Awards 4 All (Lottery) and Manchester City Council. Feeding 5,000 Manchester Photos Feeding the 5000 Short Film (setting up). Since the event, we now help to promote gleaning events in the North West and we have always highlighted issues around avoidable food waste in all our sessions. Let us Glean Photos Gleaning 2,000 cabbages near to Preston in June that would otherwise have been dug back into the ground. 3 of these crates of cabbages were given to Barlow Hall Primary School, Mersey Bank Estate the following day, to distribute amongst the parents. 21. Food Futures Manchester City Council 2012 We were commissioned to run 6 Cooking with the Cooks sessions. The participants were Community Cooks supported by NHS food workers - who cook in the community with young

I already cook from scratch all the time Already aware

Our Team for the day.

What aspects did you find particularly interesting / useful? Learning new skill. Rob was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic! I really like the sharing of food and team work - Emma

people in transition, and people in day centres, residents associations and luncheon and learning disability clubs. We ran 3 bread-making sessions, a stir fry, a curry session and a one pot wonder session (stews). These were located in Miles Platting, Wythenshawe and Ardwick. Causing a Stir Photos Various Food Futures Blogs Rice is nice Blog Well Bread Blog Flour Power Blog Hearty Types Photos Rice is Nice Photos Flour Power Photos Loafing Around Photos Bread Winner Photos

Very thorough teacher - good pace for beginners. Makes you feel very comfortable Rose Learning more about bread rather than just cooking. Could not be improved, excellent course! - Leslie & Cy Easy recipes - lots of enthusiasm! How easy dumplings and pastry are to make - Naomi Seeing how many different meals you can make with a few ingredients - Hazel Being able to take part in a group and getting good tips Cy and Jason The relaxed way it was delivered, every step was explained in details with demonstrations Brenda The whole event was instructive friendly I enjoyed all of it Dena and Nephra Rob has lots of knowledge and is very enthusiastic about bread making. Enjoyed learning new recipes and getting tips on bread making. E.Murphy I have not made bread before and I really enjoyed the process - Bernie Learning new cooking skills and trying it myself. Looking forward to another session-thanks - Bolanie Everything! Learning the masala base & knowing how to adapt it for other recipes/meat .etc- Emma Step by step-easy-cheap-friendly-new ingredients to tryFantastic session - Ruby loved it It was an easy One Pot recipe which I could use with my cooking groups. Simple, liked that gave good tips eg; don't need scales/rolling pins, not complicated recipe. Session was well planned and organised. Aimed at the right level and the recipe could be used for community groups. Seasonal, cheap and easy. Eleanor Easy recipes - lots of enthusiasm! How easy dumplings and pastry are to make Naomi

22. Friends of the Earth Festival 2010 For the general public as a part of Meat Free Monday at Manley Park, Whalley Range. Volunteering with Picnic in the Park Blog

We cooked with over 70 people in the park, showing a group of them how to make the dishes, which enabled them to show others, which helped to build confidence across the group quickly. We cooked up falafels, warm potato salad with fresh herbs and butter bean pate. Recipes were given out to everyone. Funded jointly by Friends of the Earth, public donations on the day and ourselves, through the core funding we had at the time. World Environment Day Photos

What aspects did you find particularly interesting / useful? The fun, the helpful guidance, the enthusiasm. It couldnt have been better - Eileen Yes, very interesting - Falguni It was an extremely busy day. We fed over 70 people with over 30 people being involved in the cooking. Feedback sheets werent a priority at the time hence there are only a few.

23. Glebelands City Growers, Sale 2010 For the general public, publicised through Glebelands & our networks.
glebelandscitygrowers.co.uk

The 4 co-operative members took turns to show groups around their 3acre organic plot. With freshly picked produce, they cooked up fried courgette flowers in tempura batter, tabbouleh, spicy courgette bhajis, chickpea & spinach tapas, squash & kale soup and finally, home-made basil pesto! Glebelands is an excellent example of small scale, sustainable farming in an urban environment; they aim to challenge perceptions about how food is produced and inspire people towards positive change. They continue to produce wonderful crops which are predominantly sold at Unicorn Grocery. They also work alongside Manchester Veg People with whom they work to promote the use of seasonal local produce.

Fresh Air Fresh Food Blog

What aspects did you find particularly interesting / useful? Picking the fresh food We had a brilliant time please do this again! Alex Help from Adam about how to stop my potted herbs dying! - Would love to help out regularly! Marion Scope of Glebelands growers/ their set up. The level of sustainability volunteering opportunities James Cooking foods from fresh, abundance of natural textures & flavours Kathy Everything! The growers' and cookers' knowledge was extensive and useful. It's been a really informative and inclusive event Charlotte Apple pressing, cooking Margaret All, apple pressing, green house etc All was perfect Sandy The food - scrumptious recipes! Knowledge of the growers @ Glebelands - some great tips for growing own veg Tony It's been a really lovely day and I've thoroughly enjoyed it - Charlotte

24. Growing Manchester at Hulme Garden Centre 2013

Commissioned by Food Futures to show growers how to use & enjoy every bit of their produce. Kim showed them how to make courgette bhajis, stir-fried beet tops and seasonal greens with a yoghurt and tahini dip. What a colourful, tasty sustainable feast! Getting Out in the Garden Blog Hulme is where the Heart is Photos

25. Hickson & Blacks Delicatessen, Chorlton Cooking in the street for the general public 2010
hicksonandblacks.co.uk

Two pasta dishes for the public to sample, cooked by Deli owners & chefs, Jay & Steve. They subsequently became Cracking Cooks for our Public and Community programmes Cooks on the hop Photos There was no funding for this. We ran this with our, by then, limited LFF funding, to raise awareness of our community activities in a new geographical area. Cracking Cook Harjinder cooked up her fabulous lentil dahl and hot off the tava rotis and served up samples to members of the public. Talking About Revolution Photos

This was not a participatory session so we did not ask people to fill in feedback forms, but the food was certainly devoured with a lot of gusto and licking of lips! And people went away with the recipe to try at home. Cracking Good Food actively supports local independent delis and shops by purchasing our food from them. This event was a demo and public engagement event, not participatory, so no feedback was collected from people. They all certainly enjoyed the dahl & chappatis though and many went away with the recipe and a leaflet about our cooking sessions and what we do as an organisation.

26. Jamie Olivers Food Revolution 2012 Bramhall shopping precinct. For the general public We were asked to run this session as a part of Jamies Food Revolution. Talking About Revolution Blog

27. JNR8 Youth & Community Centre 2010 JNR8 is a hub of activity for young people aged 7-19 in Whalley Range, South Manchester. JNR8 is about generating positive energy and ideas for engaging young people through over 100 workshops. Positive Energy Photos 28. LEAF: Link in Education & Farming 2011 For the 70 attendees at the second annual Let nature feed your senses conference. www.leafuk. org/leaf/home.eb Conference Call Blog Feeding our Senses Photos (shame we had to wear silly hats and white coats!) Photos

We ran a one-off cooking session as part of their Come to Tea programme. Cracking cook Nina taught young & old alike how to make a tasty veggie stir fry with noodles. All under 18s were supervised by a parent or carer. One of the participants brought along a pineapple for afters and the centre also rustled up some pudding. A really lively event. Wed like to work with them again but this is dependent upon funding.

What aspects did you find particularly interesting / useful? The variety of people participating young and old (ish) cooking and eating is a great way to come togetherAlison The people who ran the workshop were good at interacting with people involved with the cooking and treated all ages equally and explained everything thoroughly Chris Thanks so much for a great experience Janet Lovely food. Good to see familiar faces and meet some new ones. Great to see kids joining in with food preparation - Jill

We ran two simultaneous, consecutive workshops that aimed to inspire conference delegates, who were mainly farmers, to run something similar in their own rural farm settings. We gathered at Reaseheath College in Cheshire and the day buzzed with inspiration! Jesper ran a workshop on foraged four wild leaf soup complete with toasted Himalyan balsam seeds and Beths workshop focussed on savoury and sweet pancakes/blinis. We were approached directly and wrote a bespoke course for the day. We would love to work with each other again funding dependent.

A huge thanks to Cracking Good Food! Everybody loved your workshops, making wild green soup and seasonal pancakes at Let nature feed your senses! Tasty! Great stuff. The Let Nature Feed Your Senses team What aspects did you find particularly interesting / useful? Small pancakes easy to share with all, lovely way to use oats other than flapjacks Sue All of it! Excellent Jane Simplicity Team event Farm produce Paul Learning what is edible that is by many hedgerows Helen The creative use of pancakes both ingredients + presentation. Some good ideas for use with Wildlife Trusts. Well done Michael Using plants in the wild that are edible! Plus how to turn them into delicious food. Michael Very well presented in short space of time Andrew Our ignorance of wild plants as nutritional source Patricia Really inspiring will go home and have a go Julia Recipes, enthusiasm of tutors Susan

29. Loreto College 2012

We ran a bread-making day, where the group made standard loaves & rolls in the morning session and then naan breads in the afternoon session. We would like to work with this group again but lack of funding has prevented it to date.

What aspects did you find particularly interesting / useful? I have really enjoyed the day. Rob & Sarah were brilliant with the students. I would definitely recommend' Maria, Special needs support worker, Loreto College Great course, very enjoyable. Rob and Sarah were both great teachers and worked very well with our students. Thanks! - Kevin, Support worker, Loreto College I really enjoyed it. Thank you. We love you Sarah and Rob - Thomas, student at Loreto College

Working with a group of their special needs students with Downs Syndrome. 30. Lost Plot Allotment 2010 and 2011 We began working with AFSL (Action for Sustainable Living) at the allotment, which they ran at the time. This developed into cooking with the residents of the Estate over a 2 and a half year period and were still cooking there when funding allows! What aspects did you find particularly interesting / useful? Chopping up garlic and cooking and I learn how to be professional chef. I had a very nice day Catherine Picking spring onions straight from all. Fantastic, well organized, attention to hygiene Sam Fantastic loved the community feel, ideas, enthusiasm + it was outdoors loved it! Bridget Great fun, informative and a great chance to meet neighbours Andy Brilliant, very helpful staff. The people in charge were great. Was great for my 4 year old daughter Karen

Cooking with AFSL (Action for Sustainable Living) & Southway Housing. For the residents of Nell Lane/Arrowfield Estate See under Nell Lane/Arrowfield Estate

The Lost Plot Photos Happy Halloween Blog Out and about Blog Outside winner Photos

31. Love Food Hate Waste 2011 - 2012

We were commissioned to run 9 hands-on sessions in and around Greater Manchester Salford, Bury, Rochdale, Bolton, Levenshulme, Altrincham, Oldham, Ashton and Stockport, cooking up a great veggie curry & rice with up to 20 participants per session. The messages we successfully communicated: New ideas of how to cook and how to save money Rachel Its amazing how we could use food that we would sometimes throw in the bin Gladys Parts of veg I would normally throw away I will use in future Janet Never throw food always try to use it make something like curry Paula The importance of not wasting food Ken How recycling can be fun and easy to do - Sarah Best to use all the food bought and not throw away Roger Not to waste food and make use of the food you have Debra Use left overs Jack To shop more wisely and plan food shopping Ben Never waste leftover food- it can be frozen - Anne We also cooked at Shaw Market & Stockport Market, delivering demo sessions, handing out recipes and

Thanks for the day it was great and I would recommend your services to anyone. Regards, Jo, Waste Minimisation Officer, Moorhey Street Depot What aspects did you find particularly interesting / useful? The simple ingredients used to make top food A Mcgrath Really enjoyed meeting new people learning new ways of how to prepare food and new types of spices and pulses. Found it very informative and fun Rachel Very informal, very informative, instructions very clear Gladys Take part in the preparation, learning new methods of utilising food, no waste simple cooking - Ken Learning about not wasting food - Janet Very enjoyable and informative. Watching different ingredients mix together Maxine Child friendly, relaxed. Friendly, knowledgeable chef Gideon. Nice fresh produce. Recipe cards -lovely and free! Arkhards Enjoyed learning with other people - cooking demo was very interesting Carolyne Cook with other people. Be inspired by the session to cook my prawn curry. Informative. Learned a lot. Met other people. Smells good , looks good -Ilka Very informative, got some good ideas. Friendly and informal atmosphere Vicky Cooking with fresh ingredients, different spices Frank All the different spices Sandra Communal food preparation David Quick easy recipe for a curry Carissa The way everything was prepared and was easy to do Lynne Really enjoyed meeting new people learning new ways of how to prepare food and new types of spices and pulses. Found it very informative and fun Rachel Very informal, very informative, instructions very clear -

Love Food Hate Waste Blogs Waste Not Want Not #5 Photos Waste Not Want Not #2 Photos Waste Not Want Not #1 Photos Love Food Hate Waste Pasta Photos

sample sizes of food. And in 2011 our cooks independently ran many LFHW demos through Fareshare at Brinnington, Bury, Bolton, Ashton and other markets around Greater Manchester, as well as at restaurants and care homes.

Gladys Learning about not wasting food Janet Making curry and cutting veg Paula Take part in the preparation, learning new methods of utilising food, no waste simpe cooking Ken The curry recipe very simple to prepare Sarah Making curry learning new ways to cook with food in the home instead of wasting it Debra Nice to learn how to cook different foods John Learning as part of a group and getting advice Rachel Everyone was friendly Pam Learning new ways to chop onions and coriander Ben

32. Love Food Hate Waste 2013 2014

This has been our second year delivering the cooking element of the Love Food Hate Waste Campaign. We are working in partnership with Greater Manchester Waste Disposal Authority and the project is funded by them. The project has been extended this year to run over 24 venues across 9 boroughs of Greater Manchester, from September 2013 to March 2014. The sessions have been extended to allow for more cooking time and also to include a group discussion exercise, where participants work in teams to share ideas on meals that can be made from long-forgotten store cupboard items they have at home, or things leftover in their own fridges. Autumn recipe tasty tagine with golden mash Winter recipe vegetable & bean chilli with rice Spring recipe a Spring vegetable

I love cooking even more now! Fresh food - good food healthy food. Excellent teamwork - Patricia Made me think about what I can make and waste less Jayne Very enjoyable, great session, glad I cam Paul I will do a veggie chilli at home, without the meat its a different meal! Angela Enjoyed the group and sharing ideas. Thanks, very good class! Jane Knowing how to use up leftovers Margaret I will now waste less of vegetables when chopping - Jill

soup with stuffed flatbreads Monster Mash Cheadle Hulme Photos Food For Thought Levenshulme Photos More or Less - Altrincham Photos Waste Not Want Not Tameside, Duckingfield Photos Spill the beans, Rochdale Photos Over the course of the project, we will cook with over 400 participants attending one of the free community cooking sessions in their area.

33. Love Food Festival 2012 Client group was 16-19 year olds and their families, organised by the Sustainable Consumption Institute at the University of Manchester Cracking Good Love Food Blog

We ran 3 consecutive hands-on stir fry sessions as part of this public engagement event, teaching 8 people in each session. It was run at the Manchester Museum which is a lovely venue as they have a small allotment with raised beds in their courtyard.

Different chopping techniques & use of the bits of veg people dont like?! Julian Teamwork, fun, socializing activity. Good tip on how to finely chop a garlic clove Joanna Just found it nice cooking outdoors with a group of people Cecil Use of oils/spices/ingredients Gareth Which vegetables to put in the wok when (in what order) Charly

34. Manchester Art Gallery 2013

Cracking Good Food's resident foraging and wild food expert Jesper Launder gave an introductory talk on the wonders of wild food at a Manchester Art Gallery Thursday Lates event, culminating in a cook-up for attendees to taste the hand-picked produce.

The Art of Foraging Blog The Art of Foraging Photos

Excellent speaker, great enthusiasm. Discovering the non-edible was fascinating Steve Mushroom + plat advice. Cooking suggestions tied in with science. - Dan Good as a basic course on foraging relevant to the time of year. Jesper explained health properties in addition to cooking/eating. - Paul Tasting the foraged plants hints on finding and identifying insights into medicinal use - Anne General information which was accessible delivered in an imformal, interesting way. Practicle cooking uses which I would like to try. Enjoyed the tasting - Janice The whole thing was fascinating and I enjoyed Jesper's broad knowledge Richard Understanding how very many edible mushrooms grow locally in the UK. Particularly enjoyed learning about the turkey tail and it's useful medicinal purposes. My eyes have opened a little to my natural surroundings - Max

35. Manchester City Council 2013

In June the Councils Cash Grant scheme funded us to provide a growing and cooking workshop, for members of the public, in Chorltons Precinct. Stuart showed them how to sow seeds to take away in their own pots, whilst Kim, Ian & Miranda showed passersby how to cook up cheap and easy-tomake savoury stuffed pancakes, and everyone took away the recipe to cook it up themselves. The children were equally engaged in the sowing exercise as with the pancakes, whilst the adults we engaged with (over 50) were enthused and inspired to go and buy the gram flour to make this economic and nutritious dish at home. 3 people also expressed an interest in volunteering with CGF!

Pancake Day Photos Pancake in the Precinct Blog

36. Manchester Food & Drink Festival 2011 General Public In Pickle Blog

Collaborating with newcomers Trove from their Levenshulme Deli /Caf, who make jams / chutneys from local organic produce, we set up shop in the main marquee next to where Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall was signing copies of his latest book and our groups of participants made damson jam.

It was such a busy day with Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall doing a live cookery demonstration with a subsequent book signing so everything was behind schedule. We didnt have time to collect feedback we just made cracking good damson jam!

37. Manchester International Festival 2013

With rising food prices, climate change and growing urban populations Cracking Good Food showed the public how to cook truly sustainable food, grown within and around the Biospheric Foundation, Salford. The Biospheric Project, previously a derelict mill, has been transformed into a thriving agricultural space. Part farm, part laboratory and part research centre, this disused industrial site has been filled with innovative sustainable food systems, from agroforestry to aquaponics exploring how one could help forge a new way of urban living. The Cracking Good Food workshops put local food into action by teaching how to cook whats grown there. Working with a newly planted crop list, the chefs worked out their menus accordingly. Kim cooked wild shitake mushroom risotto (foraged the day before) using homemade stock with a parmesan crisp and micro herb salad followed by a layered pudding of seasonal fruit, rose tinted hazelnuts, yoghurt and borage all served in an up-cycled chilled jar. Jules cooked Salford snail porridge with sorrel & purslane tempura fritter, sprinkled with red amaranth micro herb followed by paper-wrapped, sustainably-farmed rainbow trout with nettle & wild garlic pesto on a black pea, chickweed and foraged

Commissioned cooking workshops with us to cook from the Biospheric Foundation, Salford. Funded By Manchester International Festival Manchester International Festival Blog International Bright Young Things Photos Biospherical Tasting Photos

Im so happy that this could be done as a free event-what a treat. L Healey M21: Brilliant, chilled, happy, fun, lovely evening, Thankyou. L Burscough M32 Brilliant, well put together, charismatic, passionate ladies. R Lehner M7 This was a fantastic 2 days, i enjoyed both and have learnt so much. i am not an adventourous cook, but this has inspired me. The health aspect of your ingredients is a bonus. thank you to the friendly team. P Nyabadza M4 Jules was great, introduced me to some great ideas, especially the pesto, thanks. R Banks LA1 It was a fun and inspiring event, thanks to all involved. Ali M16 Have had a great time, very interesting for a person who normally doesnt enjoy cooking, will be back for more. P Nyabadza M4, Everybody involved was amazing, very approachable, good spirited and knowledgeable. Congratulations to all staff & volunteers for creating a great atmosphere. Food should be made in an environment full of love & excitement and you've achieved this, thank you. A Tzoumas M16, Lovely atmosphere, many thanks to the whole team for contributing to this. A Lowe M16 You were all absolutely lovely, very supportive and positive. Felt really welcomed. A McCauley M16 Thanks again- the event went well, it was really enjoyable and everyone had a great time Kerenza. Curator. Fantastic evening, great people running it, P Ashpole M20 Exciting, new daring combinations of locally grown/produced food. A McCauley, M16

green salad and sweet pickled nasturium 'capers'. For pudding, lemon verbena posset with Biospheric berries infused in angelica. Between them, they left people in do doubt that local sustainable and foraged wild food can be very highend indeed.

38. Manchester Mental Health and Social Care Trust, Hi Tea Event, Albert Square 2013

Ive put this logo in as well does it look ok?

A far cry from a sunny day...but Kim's savoury pancakes put smiles on everyones faces! Kim flipped over 200 pancakes on Wednesday 11th September as part of Manchester's Mental Health 'Hi Tea' Event outside the Town Hall. The queues were continuous and many stood, ate and shared their comments as they were so pleased to sample an alternative to the sweet pancake." Ill be making these for breakfast theyre so good, I had to come back for another simply delicious I always thought sweet pancakes were my favourite, but these are now were just a few of the comments made...needless to say (Barry McQueen) Manchester's fabulous Town Crier shouted...Oh yay!

Thanks for these, the day was a huge success we had just under 700 attendees! The girls were brilliant and quite rightly there was some really positive feedback for Cracking Good Food. Please thank them again for me. Ben Curley, Communications Officer Manchester Mental Health and Social Care Trust

Photos

Oh yay! when he collected his free Take Away Kit (raw ingredients & a recipe sheet so that he can replicate the pancakes at home). A fabulous afternoon, thanks also to fresh ingredients collected from Fareshare and 2 Cracking Good Volunteers.

39. Manchester Museum 2011, 2012 and 2013 For the general Public

We have run regular cooking workshops in Manchester Museums allotment space in the courtyard outside the museum. So far, weve cooked up stir fries, curries, tortillas & salads, soups and more. Theres always a steady stream of people who want to get stuck into the fun, drawn by the delicious smells of cooking. We also run foraging sessions, with our resident foraging expert Jesper Launder at the helm.

Family visitors enjoyed seasonal cookery demonstrations at the Manchester Museums Allotment on Saturday 22nd. Many gathered at the allotment and got some top tips from Cracking Good Foods Kim as they made a curry that smelt delicious and tickled tastebuds. Cracking Good Food encouraged visitors to swap recipes. Vicky Grant, Curator, Manchester Museum What aspects did you find particularly interesting / useful? Chopping the veg Amelia + Helen Recipe + getting to cut up new roots Ryan Showing the children how to prep vegetables + show them how vegetables are composted Carol Interaction encouraging children to participate, plenty of learning opportunities Alice It was great that the children could participate in all the preparation of the making of the veg. curry. The chefs were very child friendly Mrs Berriman I found it useful because now my brother knows how to use a knife properly when cutting up food Maria Seeing raw ingredients info cooked food visual Alisha Info on growing plants - the curry was fab Holly The recipes the hands on Sean

Various Manchester Museum sessions Blogs Museum Musings Photos Outdoor Entertainment Photos

40. Manchester Youth Service. 2011 A city council based service working with teenagers. 41. Mersey Bank Estate. Riverbank Community Caf & Market Garden. 2009 and 2012 Over 50s and the Youth group. Various Mersey Bank Estate Blogs Various Barlow Moor Community Blogs Tales from the Riverbank Photos Funded by Mersey Bank Riverbank Community

We ran a fully participatory stir fry session with them, where everyone got stuck into lots of chopping and there were tasty results. Further work with this group will be funding dependent.

We originally ran a one-off outdoor cooking hop on the High Street in Mersey Bank Estate in 2009. Again at the allotment in January 2012, then 4 consecutive cooking sessions for the Over 50s and Youth Group and two BBQs in the allotment in the summer (although it was wet!) We have cooked stir fry, dhal and chappatis, seasonal tortillas with dressed salad, and spicy BBQ with salads & veggy frittatas. We would like to work with the residents again but as with all these things, it is subject to funding

What aspects did you find particularly interesting / useful? Working as a team to make sure we had enough measures of the ingredients and I enjoyed making the stir fry sauce. I would attend another cooking event again because cooking is essential in life and I dont know how to cook many things Carys How to sort a garlic out Jamie The cooking part, useful information anonymous What aspects did you find particularly interesting / useful? I found the 1st part relating to herbs v interesting and I particularly like the cooking, especially the tasting. Frank Use of herbs Laura The mixture of so many different foods anonymous Making the bread Tygon Definitely making the chapatti Harry Making the dough Ryan All the spices Charlotte The cutting part Owen The build up Nick All of it was useful Jake The way you chop the veg Terea Variety of ingredients. used Lorraine Helping lunch Olwyn Yes I found it very good Helen

Cafe

It was very nice - Sheila Teenagers making curry & chappatis: What did you find particularly interesting / useful? Making the bread Tygon Definitely making the chapatti Harry Making chapattis anonymous Making the chapattis Carys & Mikey Making chapatti Nrah Making the dough Ryan All the spices - Charlotte

42. Mosaic Young Persons Drug & Alcohol Service, Stockport 2013

After an earlier session with staff and service users, where we cooked up a Laksa (a Malaysian coconut curry with noodles), we were invited back to work with a group of men who have issues around drugs and alcohol use. The group cooked up a range of Mexican food, led by Cracking Cook Kim.

Aimed at young people aged 25 and under, MOSAIC provides drug and alcohol treatment as well as support for those young people whose parents misuse substances.

The staff were wonderfully open and friendly, enabling in-depth discussions around existing knowledge & ideas to take place within the class. All those that attended said they would cook the dishes again.

43. Recycle for Greater Manchester - Museum of Science & Industry Fashion or Rubbish fashion show 2013

Cracking Good Food attended the Fashion or Rubbish fashion show organised by Recycle for Greater Manchester at the Museum of Science and Industry. The event was very well attended and all of the upcycled outfits on the catwalk were both inspiring and incredibly stylish. Cracking Good Food were at the event to promote reducing food waste and visitors to our stand were astounded with the results, when they took part in our portion size game.

We provided information about consumption and needless food waste. People passing the stall took part in some thought provoking games, allowing us the opportunity to share ways of reducing waste and preserve food. We were delighted to meet a couple of participants from last years sessions one lady said that since attending the class, her children have actually commented on how her confidence when cooking has improved so much, and that they have never eaten so well!

Style Gurus Photos 44. NACRO 2011 and 2012 We have run a range of one off cooking sessions in a number of their hostels for both men & women. More recently we completed a run of 4 sessions as part of their Community Space Challenge Project. We made up goody bags of tomato plants & basic ingredients. Photos of the participants are not included for confidentiality reasons. Nacro is the national crime reduction charity which focuses on crime prevention, offender management and helping to re-settle ex-offenders. The residents of NACRO In order to continue working with NACRO we would need to embark on joint funding bids. This would enable us to run a proper cooking programme within one of the more appropriate hostels, where participants could develop genuine and longer lasting skills and confidence in cooking. We Very enjoyable day. I particularly liked the end result being able to swap ideas with others. I have an idea through participating in 2 day for recycling food. And want to go on to looking into volunteering for Emerge. Thanks for this opportunity Lisa (cooking with leftovers March 11) What aspects did you find particularly interesting / useful? It was brilliant, pleased I got involved thank you Margaret Introduction to new foods Id never tasted before ie. sweet potato and couscous - Deborah Making good quality, highly nutritional food for cheap it was great! Everyone should have the CGF workshops, it would benefit the nation Sam Just a quick email to say thank you to both yourselves and tenants participation for our BBQ project! It was rewarding and encouraging to see all tenants taking part, working well as a team and enjoying themselves! The

hostels/projects have complex needs and issues including: homelessness, drug & alcohol misuse issues, financial/debt problems, risk of reoffending, domestic violence problems, anger management issues, lack of skills /qualifications and unemployment Various NACRO Blogs 45. Natural Recovery Sale 2011 Clients with mental health issues and special needs. Natural High Blog Out and about Photos

would like to provide the participants with a starter pack of basic pans, utensils and a few spices / ingredients. Film stir Photos Souper Community session Photos Barbecuing with Nacro Photos

food was yummy and it was nice to be able to sit down and eat together.. and even wash and tidy up together!!! Jenny Whitworth, Service User Involvement Coordinator, West and Wales, Nacro

We ran a cooking session within their residential garden, using home grown produce. The group cooked up a veggie sweet & sour noodle dish, a variation on our stir fry dish. Further work with this group would be funding dependent.

What aspects did you find particularly interesting / useful? Cooking the vegetables Erica Fletcher I enjoyed doing the stir fry work and helping the people here today anonymous Sarah is a very nice kind person and Leon James Tony and Carolina too Anonymous Everything was perfect and the food delicious Anonymous

46. Nell Lane / Arrowfield Estate, Chorlton (linked to the Lost Plot) We regularly cooked there in 2010, 2011 and 2012 The residents of Nell Lane/Arrowfield Estate. Various Blogs Nell Lane sessions Blogs Film made at the end of

We have run lots of one off-sessions both indoors and at the Lost Plot, their community allotment, and delievered two 5-week cooking programmes, where participants were presented with certificates of completion at the end and in the final week they have chosen between them one of the dishes that they have learnt, to cook for family and friends at a celebration event. These programmes were part funded

Cracking Good Food have been instrumental in breaking down barriers and encouraging community cohesion in an area which is recognised as having a high level of deprivation and social segregation. The group provided a valuable resource for the tenants living on the Arrowfield Road Estate. The sessions encouraged and brought together individuals and tenants who would not have normally mixed under any other circumstances. I fully support their work and feel that their contribution to the community has a massive impact on the social and economical wellbeing of the people they engage with. Tina Murphy, Customer Involvement Officer, Customer Involvement Team. Southway Housing

one of the recent 5 week programmes

by Southway Housing and Bike Track Funding. At the end of each course we had an award ceremony with certificates. We have run 2 further sessions as focus group / celebration sessions, and will evaluate the longer term impact of the cooking programmes, so that we can make any changes which need to be made to maximize the positive impact of our work on the estate. We hope to keep cooking with the residents for years to come. So far, weve cooked stir fries, pizzas, curries, stews (meat & veggie), fish pies, Italian aubergine bake, Thai curry, fish cakes, burgers & wedges & plenty of salads & dressings, BBQs, pancakes, and plenty more besides. We would also like to try to facilitate a way for the residents to club together to buy decent quality everyday dry store & tinned items in bulk to save on the cost to each person, which would help them to keep cooking all the great dishes they have learnt, as disposable income is a real issue on this estate. Participants were asked whether they would continue to cook what they had learnt:

Trust. I would like to say how much I admire the work people from Cracking Good Food and the Lost Plot have changed the way people from Nell Lane estate think of each other, many people have never met until they came to the Lost Plot and Cracking Good Food, although they have lived on the same estate for at least thirty years, its amazing how eating food can really bring all sorts of people together its about time, and I would hate it to stop. Marilyn McCullough (Mal), Resident of Nell Lane Estate for 30 years Best session today pancakes very good. Never would have thought to make them myself. - G. Tellow I am enjoy coming here to meet new people and have a laugh and learn how to cook -Catherine Sitting down and socialising at the end Delbra The ingredients really surprised me, like with the part where we chopped/diced the onions + chillies Janica Making dumplings & getting eggshell out of egg. Using proper knives Vicky After cooking for many years I have finally learned to make a good sauce Mal Learning how to chop an onion properly & using sharp knives properly. Nice to meet other local people too Vicky I found the way that the food tasted quite interesting even though it was vegetarian Nicole Very friendly atmosphere. Like very much. Chef is very good. Nice attitude. Chopping. Mixing butter with flour Sophia Very smooth and easy. Learning a new dish to cook Gillian Different ways of preparing familiar things Tobias Learning how to chop an onion properly & using sharp knives properly. Nice to meet other local people too. Making dumplings & getting eggshell out of egg Vicky Roll pastry and whisk eggs Britney (aged 8)

A Good Grilling photos Rain didnt stop play photos Pancake Day photos Totally Tropical Taste photos Certified Goodness photos Plover Terrace Hop Photos Italian trip Photos

The full range of options were: Yes, Definitely, Probably, Some of it maybe, no not at all

47. OLC (Europe) Ltd 2013 Spice Magic Photos

We designed and ran 2 training workshops for this training organisation in Bolton, for a group of Libyan delegates who work in catering - focussing on health & safety, seasonality and more sustainable cooking practices. On Tuesday 5th November 2013, we took part in a staff awareness day for environmental issues, cooking up loads of yummy tarka dahl with the group, Cracking Cook Kim leading the prep! Everybody enjoyed the food and took away one of our Takeaway Kits, so that they could make it for themselves at home. Id like to say a huge Thank you to your colleagues that delivered the sessions yesterday. The cookery demonstrations were a big success. Your colleagues were very friendly and informative and engaged well with staff. A couple of my colleagues may be in touch to ask you to deliver similar sessions at their place of work. Justine Collins, Environmental Policy Development Officer, Oldham Council

48. Oldham Borough Council 2013

Curry on Cooking Photos

49. OTAGS Old Trafford Amateur Gardeners' Society 2011 For the general public although information was circulated within the allotments. www.otags.org.uk Preservation Society Blog Preserve Reserve Photos

We ran a preserving workshop with this resourceful group, recruiting a passionate leader / expert from the allotment group to run it. This session was specifically about low carbon preserving. Therefore nothing we made at the session required boiling for hours or required electricity to keep it in its preserved state. Again, further work with this group would be subject to available funding.

What aspects did you find particularly interesting / useful? It being a practical workshop, so hands-on, very enjoyable. Having the hand-out to take away with the recipes on Siobhan All of it! It was great to actually see + taste already prepared food. Whole approach was excellent very informative, informal + great fun. Thank you Lorna Lots of very useful information about picking/dehydration/etc Ian Chatting to others about preserving techniques learning from Vickis knowledge trying new recipes in supportive environment. A great mix of structure + informality in training plan. A very enjoyable workshop Laura (Vicki is not a regular at the allotment but lives locally) How to make wines from fruit Monica Practical/hands on experience making the preserves to take away Pete What aspects did you find particularly interesting / useful? Everything, especially chef made everyone involved in the process, like cutting the chopping the veg Devi Getting together with everyone. More meat! Amanda The different Chinese spices mixes - Sam Not all participants felt comfortable with giving feedback.

50. Pankhurst Centre 2011 Women Matta Project - a unique partnership between the Pankhurst Centre and Women in Prison, which supports women with complex needs who are in touch with the criminal justice system or women who are at risk of offending or reoffending. Ladies Day Blog Photos

We ran a successful one off cooking session where attendees of the drop in session learnt to cook stir fry and noodles. There was a wide range of cooking ability, from none at all to quite a lot, and most, if not all the group, were introduced to new vegetables. Cuts in funding for this project have prevented us from doing more work with them to date www.thepankhurstcentre.org.uk/

51.

Probation Service (Greater Manchester Probation Trust) 2012 2014 (ongoing) Convicted criminals who have served the requisite proportion of their sentences in prison and are serving the required remainder of the term on licence under a condition of residence within a Probation Service run Approved Premises. Generally High Risk Offenders on the ROSH scale (part of Oasys grading system). Issues include history of violence/anger management issues, lower than average literacy levels, dyslexia, lack of skills/qualifications, lack of basic life skills / institutionalization. Various Probation Service Blogs Commended in the GM Probations Trusts staff awards under the Partnerships category 2012. Funded by:

Initially we developed, in collaboration with The Manchester College, and delivered, 4 x 6-week hands on cooking courses, combined with theory / written work around healthy eating, budgeting, health & safety, food hygiene, cooking techniques, seasonality and the basics of nutrition & digestion. This was funded by The Home Office through their Community Action Against Crime: Innovation Fund. The evaluation results were very positive, demonstrating a significant increase in skills & confidence around cooking and food choices, as well as a positive impact on re-offending figures. Participants have also attained level 2 awards or certificates, awarded through TMC. Courses were extremely well received by the managers of the Approved Premises, Manchester College and Greater Manchester Probation Trust, and we were commended in the Trusts staff awards under the Partnerships category. Second year of 3 courses was then funded through an ESF Community Learning grant. Currently we are funded direct by GM Probation Trust until April 2014, and we have extended our offering to 3 other Approved Premises in Greater Manchester. We are waiting to hear whether the Trust will be able to continue funding the work after April 2014.

The feedback below is anonymous for confidentiality purposes Enjoyed it, shame it was only once a week its definitely improved my confidence. I enjoy cooking more now. The pans (which were given to each participant) are better than ones we had already. Really enjoyable, initially didnt think I needed to be taught how to cook, the CGF team changed my attitude as they were easy to learn from and talk to. Cut back fats, chips, have omelettes, no salads Some results: 2/3 of the 6 participants on the first course said they wanted to eat more healthily At the end of the course, half of them said that their diet was slightly healthier and a sixth said it was much healthier. Bearing in mind they dont have daily access to cooking facilities, this is very positive. 2/3 of them said that their cooking skills and knowledge had improved a lot 2/3 said that they felt a lot more confident about cooking 3 months later, when most of the participants had left the hostel 3/4 of them were still eating more healthily than before they attended the course 3/4 of them still felt more confident using the skills they had learnt 3/4 of them have cooked from scratch for other people Statistics below are based on the data collected from the beginning and end of course questionnaires. Do you feel more confident about cooking than you did at the beginning of the course?

Photos of the participants are not included for confidentiality reasons Participants receive either a saucepan starter pack, utensil starter pack or spice starter pack at the end of the course, according to whats available, to help them continue to use what they have learnt once they leave the Approved Premises. Their folders are also full of photographic evidence of what theyve cooked, recipes and handouts. The cost of ingredients is kept as affordable as possible so that it is realistic for the participants to continue to practise what they have learnt and calculated each session with the group, to work out cost per person. The dishes are also shared amongst other hostel inhabitants and staff. Alison, Rob, Kim and Maz have delivered the 11 courses over the last 2 years, totalling 66 sessions in all, plus an additional 2 taster sessions which ran during the summer of 2013 at Chorlton. The men continue to engage, co-operate well and contribute to the sessions, vocalising their eagerness to start cooking the dishes and buying different ingredients on their release. At Chorlton their attitudes/feelings are recorded prior to the session start and after on a flip chart outside the Participants were asked whether they would continue to cook what they had learnt:

In collaboration with:

Mexican Rave photos Talking Italian photos What a Curry On photos All the Pies photos Mexican Magic photos Store Cupboard Cooking photos Suet Good photos Vegging Out photos Fab Fast Food photos There are many other photos available. 52. Reddish Vale Technology College 2012 Students from the College

cooking room its delightful to see just how good cooking is for the soul!

Organised by the Kindling Trust and collaborating again with Stretford Pizza Ovens we made pizzas from scratch largely using produce from their allotment. www.kindling.org.uk / www.feedingmanchester.org.uk www.stretford-pizza-ovens.co.uk Flat Packed Photos

Time was too short to get feedback at the time! Everybody was too busy making and eating!

Flat Pack Blog

Big Green Thank You Event Photos

53. Salford University 2011, 2012, 2013 and on going

We have cooked for the last 2 years of the Healthy Lifestyles Expo event. This year Harjinder demoed how to rustle up a cheap but delicious veggie curry. In collaboration with LFHW Kim also cooked up different flavoured versions of tomato soup (spicy vs. herby!) We want to develop further links with the University to deliver proper cooking programmes to their students in University accommodation. They are looking at ways to fund this but it hasnt been possible to date.

Healthy Lifestyles Expo Event for University students University Challenge Blog Cheap and Cheerful Blog Totally Souper Blog Healthy Pulse Blog Cheap and Cheerful Photos University Challenge Photos

I just wanted to drop you an email to say a HUGE thank you for having your stand at the Healthy Lifestyles Expo and all you did to help make it such a great event for students. We were thrilled with how the hall looked and how interactive many of the stands were. We had lots of things for students to take part in and we have had some excellent feedback which is brilliant. Amanda Rigbye, Healthy Lifestyles Manager, Student Life Directorate all the different flavours, its healthy (vegetarian) easy/clear step by step guide -Volta Shurdon I was able to participate - Rime finely chopping mushrooms - Syeda live cooking demonstration - Naomi It was fun - Nabiha learning how to make healthy food Jaqueline Chopping technique preparing garlic (salt etc) Laura Chopping technique / facts Jessica Facts on food storage recycling anon Recipe, how to chop an onion Katy The simple ingredients used to make top food - Anon

54. Social adVentures 2011 and 2012

Social adVentures is an exciting social enterprise

We have run four, 6-week cooking from scratch courses with groups of local community members covering all the basics: soups, stews, fishcakes, burgers, salads, curries, pasta, Mexican. We compared cheap processed versions of some foods and did direct taste, cost & nutrition comparisons. We covered seasonality and food labelling. We evaluated the more long term

The team at CGF have provided a well rounded 6 week course focused on the basics of healthy cooking. Feedback has been extremely positive, trainees have made positive changes to their diets, made new friends and as one trainee said the course has ignited a love for cooking that I didnt know I had! Were really looking forward to the next course. Emma Smith, Positive Impact Manager and Director. Social adventures I now use fresher ingredients and also herbs and spices, which I never did - S.Noakes

jointly owned by service users, its employees and local Salford people. Based at the Angel Centre, Salford. We ran this in collaboration with the GP Prescribing Scheme. Various Social Adventures Blogs Social in Salford Photos Fishcakes for compliments Photos

impact of the courses through feedback collected at a focus group evening. The courses continued, still run by our Cracking Cook Kim, but through the National Adult Course Provider WEA who have the funding to put them on for free. 80% of participants noted an improvement in the overall healthiness of their diets after attending the course. 60% stated that their intake of fruit & veg had increased during the course. 60% of participants stated that the amount of processed, ready-made sauces they used in a week had decreased after the completing the course. 60% noted a reduction in the amount of take-away meals they had throughout a week.

Every session was excellent, learning about new ingredients - T.Leech The tutor shared tips and tricks in a really friendly way A.Berry I now try more recipes with a better range of vegetables and fresh herbs - A.McCartan Kim is really a good chef Muriel Enjoyed the whole evening, the cooking, teachers and atmosphere. Everybody getting together! The food was wonderful Pax Just joining in, all the colours textures and tasting the finished dish! Liz All, I do not cook much and my efforts are usually very boring, so I found the event interesting Moira Made me more aware of spices - L Morris Didnt know I enjoyed cooking so much people made all the difference - P Williams I use more fresh veg and make my own sauces now - M Meaney

55. Shoots 2012 A community cooperative based in St. Helens that purchases food in bulk for re-distribution within the area.

We ran a bespoke 4-hour breadmaking session using 100% organic ingredients, making bread, rolls, focaccia and garlic naan. We would very much like to work further with this inspirational and very resourceful group, but as ever, the possibility of doing so is subject to

What aspects did you find particularly interesting / useful? All very interesting & informative. Would definitely go on another course Pamela Good to learn how to cook your own bread. Interesting ideas. Will be using what I learnt today Jennie All Bob Learning how to bake bread/naan bread. I can now try it as it has been a very interesting course to learn Janet

This was arranged for community members of the co-operative. Arranged through Sustain. New Breads On Block Blog New Breads on the Block photos

funding being available.

I felt all of this event was interesting + useful Sheila

56. Stockport Council 2012 General Public

Delivered a 2 hour GMWDA Love Food Hate Waste session using up old fruit and veg. Cooking up limp veg from the fridge to make Carrot, Leek & Parsnip Soup with Chilli & Cheesy Croutons and bruised fruit from the fruit bowl to make Caramelised Autumn Apples with warm Spices.

Waste Not, Want Not #6 Blog Love Food Hate Waste Blogs

What aspects did you find particularly interesting / useful? Participating in preparing and discussing food June Tips on Olive oil and leeks Adam About oils on what to use and what not to use Andrew For when you get your own place Diane Information on Olive oil v Sunflower oil Anna The smelling and peeling and tasting Nathan Preparing it all Lisa

57. Tonge Moor School, Bolton 2011

We ran a demo session, with our cooks rustling up delicious dishes with food from their allotment, for everyone to enjoy. People ate sample size dishes and went away with the recipe to try at home. Invited to run the session by Action for Sustainable Living. We would like to further develop links with this group and hopefully we will be back for this event next year.

School children, parents and community

58. Trafford Health & Wellbeing Day based in Stretford 2011 NHS Trafford Trust. Predominantly for students as well as being open to the public. A drop in session. Healthy Imagination Photos 59. Unicorn Co-Operative Grocery 2010 and 2012

We ran a hands-on workshop cooking up stir fry with members of the public at this drop-in health and wellbeing day. We would like to develop further links with this group.

Cracking Good Food provided an integral aspect to our Eco / Harvest day in Sept 2011. Our intention was to prove to our pupils, their families and the local community the benefits of a sustainable lifestyle and this included sessions on growing your own produce. Our pupils harvested food from our allotment area and CGF provided a cookery demonstration using schools fruit and vegetables. .an inspirational experience with many attendees commenting that they were surprised at how tasty healthy food could be if it was cooked correctly and that a nutritious meal does not have to involve hours slaving away in the kitchen! We will definitely be inviting Cracking Good Food back to our school for our next Green Day celebrations. Janet Pendlebury. School Business Manager. Tonge Moor School Really helpful Mark It was very enjoyable Robert Very interesting and fun to watch - Caroline The students were keen to assist us as volunteers at future events.

We ran a demo outside the shop in our early days in 2010, to raise awareness of what we do. Kath, one of our Cracking Cooks, cooked up stir fry for all to watch and taste. We were able to promote our 5-week dairy free programme based at Chorlton High funded mostly by Unicorn in 2010 for the public.

For shoppers at the Unicorn Grocery as well as

What aspects did you find particularly interesting / useful? How to make a delicious authentic dhal. Techniques of making chapattis Sara New spices. How to cook chapattis Jo Use of spices e.g. storage mixture shelf life Patrina Techniques of how to make chapatti (now I know why mine never worked!) Also the tarka to finish the dhal, which I never had seen before Katy The simplicity of the recipe. Good clear instructions

passers by along Manchester Road. www.unicorngrocery.co.uk Hop to it Blog Sunday Roti Blog

We also helped celebrate Unicorns 16th birthday party by rolling out 3 x 1 hour full participatory cooking sessions under the gazebos in the car park - dahl & chappatis with Harjinder. so cheap to make once you know how!

Cara Quick + simple meal - Cazz The chapattis were amazing! Miriam Ingredients + method of cooking chapatis different how some ingredients raw in dahl and some fried Lucia Really enjoyed making chapattis Jane The ingredients explained and their uses hands on. Tutorial very friendly session great excellent thanks teacher (cook) Vic All of it really. Learning the techniques + making beautiful food accessible Francine Making chapattis from scratch was great Steph What aspects did you find particularly interesting / useful? Good equipment, selection of ingredients super. Great advice and instruction. Well organised and presented Sandra How easy it is to cook and the taste of the various veg. No, Everything was perfect Leslie The co-operative feeling about it. People celebrating cooking good food together (GREAT FUN)! Catherine All of it. Chopping, understanding vegetable cooking times etc. The use of fruit and coconut in the food Dann Discussing order of stir frying. Fantastic idea, thank you Sonad Lovely to cook fresh wholesome food & sauces. Very helpful staff Janet All of it wonderful produce and helpers. I would like to volunteer for you! Kath

60. Unity Festival, St. Margarets Primary School, Whalley Range. 2011 The general public as well as parents/ friends of the school Celebrating Good Food Blog

We ran a series of hands-on stir fry sessions at this rather chilly festival, using an incredible variety of fresh seasonal vegetables and some great flavours. Gerald Kaufman even paid a visit! We were invited to come back and cook with them again at this festival in 2013 but we werent able to take them up on their invitation as we were no longer funded and neither are they.

61. Young People Support Foundation 2013

YPSF Oldham Street, 52 Oldham Street Manchester M4 1LE

A YPSF volunteer applied for and won a competition run by the University of Manchester providing small grants for students to try out ideas for small enterprises. They brought in Cracking Cook Kim to work with a small group of young people from the Work It! group to prepare the buffet for the Trustees Meeting in January. The young people decided themselves what they wanted to make, and Kim worked alongside them in the kitchen to teach them how to make their chosen dishes from scratch. A lot of the produce came from Fareshare. They cooked: - Carrot and potato samosas, served with a homemdade tomato and red onion chutney - Rustic beef & leek mini shortcrust pies -Omelette and seaweed nigiri, served with a chilli, lime & coriander infused soy sauce dip - Apple & pear filo tarts

Outcomes Volunteers used food received from Fareshare to prepare and serve lunches to learners attending the Work It! programme. This had a number of positive outcomes: Young people on the course were able to observe and talk to volunteers working in a role that they could realistically see themselves succeeding in. Many expressed an interest in volunteering in this role and were keen to give something back to YPSF and help other young people. Learners were able to benefit from more healthy, home cooked food. Work It! staff were able to concentrate on course delivery and leave the provision of lunch for learners to another service.