The Arsenal Foundation has helped to fund Bags Of Taste, a social enterprise that tackles food poverty. Local resident Michael Henderson, 42, tells us how it has given him new-found confidence in the kitchen – and saved him money
“I’m Islington born and bred, and a massive Arsenal fan. I love football. I enjoy other sports as well but it’s football that really moves me – watching and playing. I go to weekly sessions at The Arsenal Hub, and I’ve been lucky enough to go to the Emirates a few times now as well, including Women’s Champions League games and the men’s team. I really enjoy watching Arsenal Women – sometimes they’re better than the men and the game is really taking off.
“I work as a kitchen porter and have done for years, but I also look in the Job Centre every now and then to see what’s around, and that’s where I saw a flyer for Bags Of Taste. I wanted to learn more about cooking for myself and eating healthily, so I got in touch and they were really helpful. They sent me a starter kit and bags of ingredients, and also added me to their WhatsApp group and Facebook page so I could connect with other people to share recipes and tips.
“The starter kit was great – it included recipes, advice on eating healthily and shopping on a budget, plus some really useful equipment: a knife sharpener and numbered measuring spoons, things like that. The bags included ingredients and seasoning and were enough to make three or four meals. You just follow the instructions at home, and Bags Of Taste also have lots of YouTube videos you can follow, which is great for people who struggle with reading.
“I’ve found the advice on shopping really useful. For example, I now always look at the bottom shelf in the supermarket for the cheaper or reduced products, and I buy pasta and rice in bulk to save money. There’s also advice on getting the best price on meat and fresh food.
“It’s an ongoing thing – there’s no end date so I’m still in touch with all the other people and sharing tips with new people who join. It’s nice to chat, and also I’ve tried different meals from other cultures, which has been great.
“I’ve gained so much confidence in the kitchen. I didn’t realise how easy and inexpensive it could be to make a really tasty, healthy pasta sauce, for example, and make enough to last for days and use in different ways. Even my friends have been impressed. One of them couldn’t believe I’d made something so good from scratch!
“There’s a lot of negativity around football at the moment and I think Arsenal’s work in the community is really important. I walk past Market Road and see Arsenal coaches with the kids there. You walk past Emirates Stadium and there are people taking part in the Pedal Power cycling sessions – I’ve tried that myself, too. And I go to The Hub, where everyone treats me brilliantly. Arsenal is a family, and I feel very lucky to be part of it.”
For more information visit bagsoftaste.org, and if you can spare a donation to help overcome food poverty please visit bagsoftaste.org/donate
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