“Volunteering with Made in Hackney has given me the opportunity to believe in myself again. To cook at home even more than did and has given me my life back in a very good way. It’s good for my mental health. After the class is over and the participants say thankyou, I know they’ve learnt something new, enjoyed themselves and eaten good food and I’ve done my best and made a difference.

Volunteering for Made In Hackney has inspired me to make changes to my diet. I eat more fresh produce, eat less meat and fish and I’m more experimental with vegetables and tofu.

The community aspect is as important as the food. Food is a powerful way of communicating and bringing communities together no matter your beliefs, religion, sexuality, political views, race, education or class. It’s important to understand we all deserve to be wanted, to be loved and to be able to keep learning. Food plays a big part in community building and helping the next generation understand how and where food comes from and what sustainable, healthy eating is.

I have been overwhelmed by how much kindness there is throughout Made In Hackney’s services. How much everyone genuinely cares about what they do and wants to share their knowledge and skills. Everyone involved all play a big part in making Made In Hackney, what it is today and help it to move forward.”