Food Project to ‘Sneak’ Kidney Beans into Diets
Improving Nutrition with Kidney Beans
Hearty Earth, a community organization in the South of England, has launched a unique food initiative aimed at enhancing nutrition, promoting plant-based diets, and supporting families experiencing food insecurity. Volunteers, led by community ambassador Saman Jamshidifard, are now incorporating kidney beans into their offerings, alongside portions of baked beans served on surplus sourdough bread at St Frideswide’s Church in Oxford.
– Nutritional Value: Jamshidifard emphasizes the health benefits of kidney beans, aiming to sneak kidney beans into everyone’s diets due to their rich nutrient profile.
– Serving Community Needs: This effort adds to Hearty Earth’s existing surplus curry program, which operates in five locations, including Jericho Community Centre and Seacourt Hall, providing nutritious meals to those in need.
– Open to All: The organization welcomes individuals from all socio-economic backgrounds, encouraging a sense of community. The surplus curry has always focused on saving food waste, so we invite everyone to come and enjoy our offerings, Jamshidifard stated.
Environmental and Dietary Benefits of Kidney Beans
Jamshidifard regards kidney beans as amazing for the planet and an excellent meat alternative. His background in nutrition, coupled with his role at Oxford Brookes University, has fueled his interest in the benefits of pulses. He noted that:
– Community Reach: Hearty Earth reaches approximately 1,000 people weekly through its initiatives, making it an ideal platform for positive dietary changes.
– Funding Support: This initiative was bolstered by recent funding from Oxford City Council, enabling the increased distribution of baked beans and expanding offerings to include kidney beans by 2026.
Response and Community Engagement
The introduction of kidney beans has been met with enthusiasm. Chef James Hart reported a successful launch on January 16, stating that 50 portions quickly disappeared alongside the popular curry:
– Diverse Offerings: Recognizing that not everyone enjoys spicy food, Jamshidifard stated that different options are available to cater to varied tastes.
Jamshidifard believes in the power of food to unite communities. He reflects on cherished memories associated with family gatherings, drawing parallels between such traditions across cultures. I strive to recreate that sense of connection through our initiatives, as it resonates with many in our community.
By integrating kidney beans into their menu, Hearty Earth not only promotes better health but also fosters a sense of belonging and community spirit.
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