Free Air Fryers to Help People Cook More Healthily
A community group in Meir, Stoke-on-Trent, is distributing free air fryers to aid residents in cooking healthier meals. This initiative, spearheaded by Meir Matters (MM), aims to enhance local nutrition as part of a broader strategy to tackle rising food insecurity.
The Importance of Air Fryers in Healthy Cooking
Michelle Swift, director of Meir Matters, emphasized the need for practical cooking solutions. Previous initiatives included providing slow cookers, and the new air fryer program mirrors this successful approach. Swift highlighted several key goals:
– Healthy Eating: Empowering community members to make nutritious meals.
– Budget-Friendly: Offering accessible cooking methods that save money.
– Reducing Food Waste: Encouraging efficient use of ingredients.
Swift noted, If you’re feeding a family, it’s about being efficient and saving time while involving everyone in the cooking process. This hands-on approach fosters both health and togetherness.
Addressing Food Insecurity
Recent research from the University of Staffordshire highlighted alarming trends in local food bank usage, nearing what could be considered a humanitarian crisis. In response, Meir Matters aims to be a beacon of support:
– Emergency Assistance: Providing food packs for those in immediate need.
– Home-Cooked Meals: Offering ready-to-eat meals that are prepared with care.
Darren Jones, a local resident, expressed concern about unhealthy eating habits prevalent in society. Once a participant in cooking classes, he now finds himself relying on microwave meals. It’s not healthy for you, and that’s a bigger problem. People don’t prioritize their health—I’m guilty of that too, he admitted.
Community-Centric Solutions
Swift encourages anyone struggling with food access to reach out for assistance. Nobody in Meir should go hungry, she stated, reaffirming the group’s commitment to supporting the community through education and resources.
For more updates on this initiative, follow BBC Stoke & Staffordshire on various platforms, including BBC Sounds, Facebook, X, and Instagram.
This community-driven effort is not just about air fryers; it’s about transforming lives through healthier cooking practices and providing support where it’s needed most.