Recipe for success
Cooking group backs poverty campaign
Lynn Jolly
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Alison Rennie Gavin McInally
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Chris Taylor Ron Moore
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David Campbell David Campbell
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Smooth operators from Ferguslie Park, Paisley, met with depute Provost Cathy McEwan ahead of the national poverty campaign, to chop up fruit and vegetables and make some spectacular drinks.
The Tannahill Centre class had kitchen equipment donated by Renfrewshire Counci, topping up funds from the Paisley North Local Area Committee to support the project.
More than a dozen people of all ages go along to sessions every week, picking up tips on food preparation as well as cooking and freezing meals.
Councillor McEwan, who represents Renfrew South and Gallowhill, said: “Tackling inequality that can cause poverty and create barriers to healthy lifestyles and mental health is a key priority for the council.
“The cooking group in Ferguslie makes healthy food together and also spends a couple of hours socialising with one another.
“It is a fantastic way to feel part of the community as well as learning simple ways to eat healthily.
Maura McSorley, who runs the cooking class, said: “The cooking class is good for the people who come along.
“They look forward to learning more about cooking as well as catching up with their friends and meeting new people.
“The smoothie- making class was tremendous fun as everyone could get involved in making their own speciallyblended smoothie to suit their own taste.”
Challenge Poverty Week aims to highlight the reality of poverty and challenge the stereotypes that about exist about it; show what is being done across Scotland to address poverty and increase public support for more action to solve poverty.
Councillor McEwan added: “During Challenge Poverty Week, Renfrewshire will be holding a number of events that members of the public can get involved in and shine a light on how poverty exists and can affect anyone.”
You can get involved in a social media campaign using hashtag #CPW17 by writing their own pledge on poverty onto a piece of paper and taking a selfie to post online.
A special advice event is also running on Thursday, between 10am and 4pm, in Johnstone Town Hall for anyone to drop in.
For more information on Challenge Poverty Week, visit www. povertyalliance.org