Free Air Fryers to Help People Cook More Healthily
A community initiative in Meir, Stoke-on-Trent, is set to provide free air fryers to residents, aiming to promote healthier cooking habits. This program, led by the group Meir Matters (MM), follows a successful previous campaign that focused on slow cookers.
Importance of Healthy Cooking with Air Fryers
– Background: Research from the University of Staffordshire highlighted a growing crisis in the area, with rising food bank dependency and nutritional concerns among the population.
– Community Initiative: The new air fryer distribution initiative is designed to empower individuals with the tools needed for healthier, cost-effective meal preparation.
Michelle Swift, director of Meir Matters, emphasizes the goal: “We’re trying to run a program that helps people save money, eat healthily, manage their budgets, and reduce waste.”
Benefits of Using Air Fryers
– Family Involvement: Swift notes that cooking with air fryers allows families to engage in meal preparation together, making it a fun and educational experience.
– Time Efficiency: Air fryers are not only healthier alternatives to traditional cooking methods but also save time in the kitchen.
Darren Jones, a local resident who used to enjoy cookery lessons in school, reflects on the shift in his cooking habits: “I usually cook ready-made meals in a microwave or an oven. It’s not healthy for you, and that’s a bigger problem in society. People don’t look after their health—I know I don’t as much as I should.”
Support for the Community
Swift reaffirms the group’s commitment to aiding those in need: “Nobody in Meir should be going hungry. Anyone struggling can reach out to us—whether for an emergency food pack to last a few days or for pre-prepared, home-cooked meals.”
This initiative not only seeks to provide free air fryers but also aims to foster a supportive community environment where individuals can learn to improve their diet and cooking skills.
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These efforts are more than just distributing air fryers; they represent a significant step towards healthier living for the people of Meir, reinforcing the belief that cooking healthily can be accessible and enjoyable for everyone.