The Humboldt Collective Kitchen pilot project wrapped up this October with amazing results. The Collective Kitchen started in November 2010 as part of Humboldt Food Connection for All. It was created to bring together a group of people to cook nutritious meals, explained Niamh Menz, Collective Kitchen co-ordinator. Not only did the group learn to cook healthy meals, they also pooled resources, planned meals and budgets, met new friends and learned new skills. Menz became involved in the Collective Kitchen after being approached in 2010. She attended a co-ordinator course in Saskatoon through CHEP, a national organization dedicated to providing food security.After learning how to run a Collective Kitchen, Menz started two in Humboldt, with the help of volunteers and organizations, one of the biggest being Westminster United Church for the use of their kitchen. "One kitchen was full - about 10 people - and the other had about five people," said Menz. Each time they would meet, Menz would help the participants through cooking a meal. Throughout their time in the kitchen, Menz helped the participants learn how to put healthy foods into their meals, following and changing recipes to reduce fat and salt, preparing dishes to freeze and take home, working as a team, decision-making and problem-solving, time-saving and pre-prepared meals, food safety and many other skills. Although at first it was expected the groups would follow the same plans, some changes happened as the kitchens developed. "I know that the groups struggled with different issues," said Menz. Since the kitchens were participant-driven, she needed to decide what would work best for them and go from there. "I learned that the kitchens must change to suit the participants," said Menz. "They might not follow the hard fast rules of a traditional Collective Kitchen but the benefits are all still there." She noticed that although the meals were the main focus of the group, the social aspect became the most important feature of the kitchens. "My first kitchen cooked together and took their food home, whereas my second kitchen loved to share their meal together," said Menz. During their time in the kitchen, the participants became friends and shared other problems, asking the others for advice. "I had one lady who struggled with childcare," said Menz. "It was... a great bonding experience for the mom and daughter."I noticed that people came in for one reason, but often stayed for another," Menz added.She was excited to see the development of the kitchens. "When I first started the kitchens, I thought that making the meals would be the main purpose of the kitchens," said Menz. "Usually the job of the kitchen coordinator is to guide and facilitate as needed, but I found myself right in the middle, working side by side with the groups and really getting to know and like the participants." After running the kitchens, Menz decided there was a huge need for this type of program in the community. "I feel we have recognized a gap and we are trying to fill a need," said Menz. "The kitchens are a tool for self-reliance, making people feel empowered." She also didn't let any setbacks or hiccups get in her way. One time, only one participant showed up to a kitchen. Instead of letting that discourage her, she went ahead with the kitchen with just the one person. "You don't do it for the people who didn't show up, you do it for the person who did," said Menz. Menz is proud of what the Collective Kitchen accomplished. "It is about bringing people back to the kitchen table because many of us have moved away from that and preparing and sharing a meal together is a life connection," she said. "After all, the most important ingredient to cook with is love." Since the pilot project is now finished, it is time to bring it to Humboldt full time. Menz said they are looking into ways to make that dream a reality. Although they have a lot of community support, which they are grateful for, they will still need more to make the kitchens possible. Menz and the Food Connection for All will be looking into grants and other financing options to make the Collective Kitchens a reality in the community.
