Limited financial income can lead to social isolation. But a library in Melbourne, Australia is trying to tackle both of these problems, bringing together those who want to learn to cook and offering training courses for an affordable budget.
From the outside it looks like an ordinary library, but inside there is a room where the books are not visible. Dozens of people are learning in that room. The library offers affordable cooking classes in addition to a free lunch at the end of the day.
Gloria Khoury regularly attends training classes and apart from learning to cook at a reasonable price, she is also here to make new friends.
“I was lonely and wanted to connect with other people. Sometimes we need a place where we can interact with other people and have a good time together,” says Ms. Khoury.
The other members of the class also appreciate the new acquaintances.
“It takes people out of isolation and helps with mental health. We have a really good group of participants,” says Nigel Pernu, creator of the Cook to Connect program.
“I met a lot of people from different countries, which makes the program very interesting,” says participant Wain Wan Lee.
The organizers of the cooking course want the participants to interact with each other while learning new dishes. Training offers affordable cooking as the cost of living has risen.
“Given the current situation, we try to teach the participants how to cook affordable food”, says Mr. Pernu.
“Food insecurity is a key problem at the moment. Many Australians try to save every dollar they have,” says dietitian Jane Duyker with the Cook to Connect program.
This program addresses the issue at the local level, but activists say the effort needs to be expanded.
“The right to food, to a dignified, affordable and healthy diet is a human right and this is the responsibility of every level of government,” says Dr. Olivia Ball, City of Melbourne City Councillor.
