"Cooking With Others Gives You A Sense Of Community"
Tauhida loves to cook and help others in the community
Interview with love-to-cook Fitzrovia Community Centre volunteer, Tauhida Said.
Tauhida lives in Marylebone with her family. After moving from Kenya in 2018, she began volunteering in the community at Fitzrovia Community Centre. She joined their Healthy Eating on a Budget Programme in April 2024.
Here's her story.
What brought you to the Healthy Eating on a Budget programme?
I wanted to get involved with community volunteering. I was keen to learn about healthy eating, especially as my dad had heart problems. After joining a craft class, I found this programme.
What does food in your family traditionally look like?
In Kenya, we eat fresh food—fish, meat, rice, and vegetables. Our cooking has Indian and Arab influences, using lots of spices and coconut. I kept cooking varied dishes at home after moving here.
So, it sounds like you were already an experienced cook. What did you learn from the programme that impacted you the most?
Though I've always cooked, I learned lots about nutrition. The biggest lesson was about portion sizes and using less oil and sugar. Now I serve more salad and less rice! Plus, I now make my own jam and choose whole fruits over sugary drinks.
I never used to read the ingredients on food packaging, I now read food labels carefully. It's surprising how much sugar is in everyday items like cereals and skimmed milk.
I also use frozen vegetables more often. They're just as healthy as fresh ones, last longer, and save money.
And I now batch cook and freeze meals, which helps me save. I also compare prices and deals at different supermarkets and local markets.
What did you enjoy most about the programme?
Learning new cooking skills while being part of a community was wonderful. I learned simple tricks like making crispy oven-baked chicken and chips. But the best part was meeting new people and sharing recipes from different cultures. It became a weekly highlight.
After I completed the programme, I chose to volunteer with new groups because I've always wanted to get involved in community volunteering since moving to London. I love cooking, so volunteering here felt natural.
What do you find rewarding about volunteering?
Seeing people grow more confident each week is amazing. By week three, they're trying new recipes and feeling at home in the kitchen. It’s really rewarding to be part of that journey and see them accomplish something. And cooking with others gives you that sense of community. You’re surrounded by people who are learning alongside you, helping each other, and giving tips. It’s empowering.
Is there a moment or lesson that stands out for you?
Learning about portion sizes and eating fish twice weekly was eye-opening! I discovered Greek yogurt's benefits and the importance of reading food labels carefully. Once you start, you can’t stop!
What is next on your healthy eating journey?
I'd like to take more nutrition courses and focus on community volunteering. Inspired by my father's philanthropy, I want to help others in my community live healthier lives. It's not about money—it's about making a positive difference. It’s the reason why I also now volunteer on the Fitz Foodies programme at Fitzrovia Community Centre.
This is a shorter adaptation of an original blog by Feast With Us who run the Healthy Eating on a Budget Programme. Visit their website to read the full blog.
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Email us: info@fitzroviacommunitycentre.org
