Livv Housing Group customer launches community lunch club in Halewood

After taking part in one of Livv Housing Group’s food-based social impact programmes, George from Halewood, Merseyside, has brought together his passion for cooking and love for his community by starting up a community lunch club. With the rising cost of living, George’s initiative helps local residents have access to a hearty, homemade meal whilst learning how to cook.

George said: “As my late dad was a confectionery chef on a cruise ship, I grew up cooking. However, over time it became more of a ‘needs must’ rather than something I actually enjoyed. I’ve lived with a rare bone condition in my jaw for the past 25 years so I’m on a soft diet, but I cared for my mum for a while. Especially now that she’s getting older, it was important she was getting decent meals.”

George completed the four-week beginner and four-week advanced course, gaining an Introduction to Slow Cooking qualification. As well as a slow cooker, he took home new ideas, additional skills and a reignited love for cooking.

George added: “I miss how the community centre was always packed pre-pandemic. Residents would make and bake, and we’d get together regularly to socialise. There was a proper community spirit. But the impact of lockdown and social isolation really took its toll and it’s not been the same since.”

Livv arranged for George to complete his Food Hygiene Certificate and a new cooker was installed in the community centre kitchen. Chef Adam Franklin also kindly donated kitchen essentials such as utensils, takeaway crockery and cutlery.

Community Kitchen has been running for several weeks and the turnout has been a success. Open every Wednesday, ‘Community Kitchen’ serves freshly prepared hot meals. The menu varies each week and includes items such as vegetable soup and fresh bread, scouse, stews and apple pie.

Livv provided £500 funding to cover George’s food shops and he’ll receive ongoing practical support and guidance from Alchemic Kitchen and the local chefs throughout the project, should he need it.

George continued: “I’m currently open every Wednesday lunchtime to drive more people down to the community centre. Once it gets busier, I’d like to expand to provide breakfast and evening meals. I’ve got a lot of plans, but I need to walk first before I can run!”