The Cumberland creates cookbook to celebrate kindness

The Cumberland Building Society's initiative, the Kinder Cookbook, was born from its campaign to tackle food poverty.

The building society, which has branches in Cumbria, identified food poverty as a major issue more than a year ago.

In response, it set up the Kinder Kind of Kitchen initiative.

Working alongside food charity FareShare Lancashire and Cumbria, the Cumberland's initial funding of £250,000 supported 52 community food projects, serving the equivalent of 577,047 meals and diverting 242 tonnes of food to people in need that would have gone to waste.

The project also inspired many volunteers, including Cumberland colleagues, who were given paid time off to help.

Des Moore, chief executive of The Cumberland, said: "The Kinder Cookbook is a testament to the power of kindness.

"Kindness is in our nature at The Cumberland.

"It shapes everything we do.

“We’ve been proud to help support the tireless efforts locally to redistribute surplus food to those in need.

“The Kinder Cookbook tells this story and celebrates the way sharing food can bring people together in challenging circumstances."

The book features recipes from people in the community, from food banks to community kitchens.

Each dish is accompanied by the backstory of its creator.

One such story is of Anna Zhuzha, a Ukrainian refugee living in Cockermouth who shares her recipe for borscht.

Neil McLaughlin, a resident of a homeless hostel in West Cumbria, shares his late nan's recipe for tattie pot, which he cooks for the other residents at least once a week.

Diane Johnston, a volunteer at a Carlisle food bank, shares her recipe for bean and tomato soup, which she relied on when she was struggling.

Kindness between FareShare and a food pantry in Aspatria is providing essentials for those struggling with the cost of living.

The Rainbow Pantry, part of Aspatria Dreamscheme, a youth and community development organisation, was originally set up as part of the town's response to Covid-19.

Adrian Cozens, volunteer at Aspatria Dreamscheme (Image: Supplied)

Adrian Cozens, volunteer at Aspatria Dreamscheme, said: “Here at Aspatria Dreamscheme, food plays a significant role with our weekly food pantry, which is now in its fourth year.

“Partnering with FareShare Lancashire and Cumbria has enabled us to provide a wide range of good quality food at affordable prices; this in turn provides balanced, nutritious meals and the resultant health benefits for all concerned.”

The volunteer has shared his chicken pasta recipe in The Kinder Cookbook.

The recipe holds a special place in Mr Cozens' heart, serving as a reminder of cherished visits to Italy - and it is his wife's favourite dish.

The recipe has been 'lovingly perfected' over 35 years.

The book also features recipes from the Wigton Food Pantry, including a tuna curry recipe from John Crouch, a former publisher turned chef.

Around three years ago he was asked to help set up Wigton Food Pantry, and he has volunteered ever since.

John Crouch at Wigton Food Pantry (Image: Harry Atkinson)

Mr Crouch said: “I came up with the idea of running a cooking on a budget class and was delighted when people signed up.

"Some had never cooked before but that didn’t matter.

“We are a very friendly, supportive and caring group.

"We cook, laugh, chat and have fun with a focus on healthy, nutritious food that doesn’t cost the earth, is very tasty and simple to make.

“My tuna curry recipe was one of the most popular dishes on our six-week course, and we will start another course very soon.”

Cumberland assistant cluster manager, Ali Elliott, saw for herself the difference Wigton Food Pantry makes when she volunteered at the centre.

She said: “A couple of us volunteered every Wednesday morning during January and we love being involved.

“Whether we are serving coffee, unpacking food or chatting to people, it’s a real privilege to help in any way we can.”

The Kinder Cookbook is available for free download at cumberland.co.uk/kinderkitchens/cookbook.