South Leeds Community Kitchen (SLCK) will be re-launching on Sunday (9 February 2025) using the refurbished kitchen facilities in St Mary’s church hall on Town Street (opposite Nisa, at the top of Wesley Street).
A monthly event since March 2023, volunteers from Mosaic Church have been cooking and serving delicious and interesting meals to regulars and passers-by at St Luke’s church in Holbeck. Aiming to provide the service for those in ‘upper Beeston’ they have found a new home at St Mary’s.
The vision came from Beeston resident and Mosaic member Jane Ogini. A nurse, mum and keen amateur chef, Jane wanted to use her hobbies and the skills of friends to create a regular event which would be fun to be part of and would also tackle some of the difficulties facing our community.
Aware that the cost-of-living crisis was increasing people’s reliance on food banks and difficulties heating their homes, the monthly hot meal served in a warm community location helps to meet essential needs. Perhaps more importantly however, the event is a comfortable, welcoming place for those who prefer to eat together, potentially providing reprieve from loneliness or just good company!
Peter, one of the ‘regulars’ told us that:
“SLCK does far more than supply a basic requirement for food for those in need. It becomes the heart and soul of a social gathering that makes people feel human. Whether isolated, disadvantaged, anxious or depressed, or just wishing for smiles, laughs and engagement, it provides the aura for a healthy community to thrive.”
The core team have a wide cultural background providing inspiration for varied meals. Drawing not only on British, hearty staples, the repertoire has featured Asian, African, Indian and European influenced meals. Each event caters for vegetarian and vegan guests and there is usually a gluten and/or dairy free option. Special themed events have included Christmas and Chinese New Year, complete with traditional dancers and crafts. All ages are very welcome and some of our older guests have enjoyed the company of the children and toddlers who come with volunteers and guests alike.
With our new home comes a larger space and we’d love to see some new faces alongside our ‘regulars’. We’re planning some low-key entertainment and themed events this for this year and you can always bring along a game if you’re looking for people to play with. There is no commitment required, simply drop-in and see what’s on offer – any leftovers are packed up and offered out so it really is like home from home.
This post was written by Jean Scopes
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