Ready... Steady... Cook!

As Patrons of Carlisle Youth Zone (CYZ) we were delighted to be involved in this morning's event in conjunction with Carlisle Foodbank, creating awareness about the need to support local Foodbanks.  In these very difficult times for so many this was a great event to make the young people of Carlisle aware of the support that is out there in our community.

Ahead of the event, we consulted with CYZ and the Foodbank regarding ingredients for the day.  We were to supply the teams with key ingredients, typical items which are popular donations received at Carlisle Foodbank.  We put our heads together and came up with a good list. From the Foodbank - tinned items such as potatoes, peas, sweetcorn, meatballs, hotdogs, pasta, rice, eggs and other staples.  From Inter Fresh fresh produce including onions, spring onions, cabbage, mushrooms, tomatoes, cheese & milk.

First thing this morning, the van was loaded up and off Sue went to deliver the produce and get set up for the young people and businesses arrival.

5 incredibly awesome businesses, alongside the young people went head to head in a Ready, Steady Cook! style competition.

Kingmoor Park, RAW Insurance Brokers Ltd, David Allen, Armstrong Watson and Handelsbanken all took to their cooking stations, Chefs hats and aprons on, hands washed, and at 11am the event began - 20 minutes on the clock..... in 3,2,1, Ready, Steady COOK!

The contents of the Foodbank supplies were revealed and the fresh produce pantry was open.  Menus were quickly discussed between each team, various tins and packets were opened and veggies were chopped up.

20 minutes soon passed and the challenge was completed.  Then it was time for the scoring.  Presentation / creativity / taste and extra points for nutritional value and even more points if all ingredients were used in the dishes.

It was a close call, but Kingmoor Park took gold with their junior member Jason, who made a mean Corned Beef Hash, closely followed by RAW Insurance Brokers and David Allen taking 3rd position

The involvement from the young people and their enthusiasm to "have a go" was a pleasure to watch, some of them coming out of their comfort zone, aswell as trying some different foods for the first time.  What surprised us all was how many different dishes can be made from afew basic ingredients, the teams were so creative!

Carlisle Foodbank is a fantastic local organisation supporting families and people in times of need, with difficult times ahead for so many, this event was the ideal platform to showcase the great work that they do and their support for the community.  Local businesses are able to support their hard work within the workplace, by hiring a Foodbank donation bin and placing it in their offices, kindly asking their staff / customers for donations - just one week can generate so many vital supplies. 

If you are interested in supporting Carlisle Youth Zone or Carlisle Foodbank, contact Sue at Inter Fresh and she will point you in the right direction.