Flavour and Haver will allow Cyrenians to extend its successful Food Education programme
Baking legend Prue Leith was in Scotland this week to mark the opening of a new charity sector cooking school.
The British Bake Off star joined Cyrenians for the official opening of its brand new school and teaching kitchen in Jane Street, Leith, Edinburgh.
The Cyrenians Food Education programme started 17 years ago and will now hit new heights with the opening of the purpose built facility.
Flavour and Haver has eight domestic cooking stations, a training/meeting room, offices and an attached dining room.
The charity will offer a range of hands-on cooking courses from members of the public as well as groups such as former homeless people and will encourage healthier eating. It will teach students how to buy and prepare food on a low budget. Students will learn about food hygiene and safety, and grow their confidence in the kitchen whilst sharing their enjoyment of cooking a meal in a positive social setting, providing all attendees with a meal and company.
Cyrenians chief executive Ewan Aitken said the new school would allow the charity to reach more people.
He said: “We will teach more clients in a brand-new environment, and any monies raised from classes to the public will be reinvested back into the service we offer for those who need to learn to cook and shop for themselves.
“As our classes use produce from our own farm, and surplus food from our Fareshare operation the emphasis is on sustainability of produce and reduction of food miles, as well as food education “.
Leith said “I am delighted to open this superbly equipped cook school and teaching kitchen, and to see the enthusiasm of staff, volunteers and clients. Almost everyone enjoys cooking once they get stuck in and there is almost nothing more important than being able to cook healthily on a tight budget. Besides, cooking and eating together is a glue that sticks society together."
The £250,000 facility was funded through support from CRASH (the construction industry's charity), The Scottish Government, Bank of Scotland Foundation, Morrison’s Foundation, The Queensberry Trust, The Clothworkers Foundation, and Dell Secureworks.
