New community kitchen aims to help residents in Wolverhampton estate live healthier lives
A new community kitchen has opened in Dovecotes in Pendeford
A new community kitchen has opened in a housing estate in Wolverhampton, giving residents the chance to learn new skills, eat well and healthily while they enjoy being together with their friends and loved ones.
The Dovecotes community kitchen is the latest initiative from the city council and its partners to support residents when they need it most, especially by being able to eat well by having the skills to make the most of food on a budget.
The kitchen is part of the council’s Pocket to Plate initiative and will offer various ways for the community to use the kitchen, including sessions from the community chefs, who will share their expertise to make cooking fun and help families eat tasty, nutritious meals.
There will be a chance for residents from the community to train with local chefs and get qualified, but the kitchen also gives residents the chance to just get together and use the facilities to cook, have fun and eat well without spending a fortune.
There will also be a community shop opening at Dovecotes in the coming months, so locals can buy good produce ready to cook in the kitchen.
Nikki Rolls, Dovecotes TMO Chief Officer, said: ‘We are delighted to see the community kitchen open for residents.
"This is a fantastic opportunity to bring people together, support families to cook healthy meals on a budget, and create a welcoming space where the community can learn, share and connect."
The kitchen is a match funded project from the Government’s Crisis and Resilience Fund, which exists to help families in financial crisis and help build long-term financial resilience.
Leader of the council, Councillor Stephen Simkins, added: "I’ve talked before about the importance of good nutrition in our lives and why it’s so vital to ensure our residents can access good quality food at reasonable prices, especially in these difficult economic times.
"Food is the foundation upon which a good and healthy life is built.
"It’s also what brings us together and gives us so many joyous times with our friends and loved ones.
"I was so impressed with the community kitchen and the opportunities it offers to our residents.
"I hope it will become a strong part of the local community, helping residents learn about and enjoy good food and happy times no matter what their financial circumstances."