Thanks to £18,660 from the Isle of Wight Household Support Fund, a practical and high-impact initiative has been successfully delivered to help residents on the Isle of Wight embrace healthier, more energy-efficient cooking.
As part of the air fryer and fresh food project, 57 residents received a Tower air fryer along with a £100 hamper packed with fresh, locally sourced food. The goal? To equip people with tools, knowledge, and the confidence to cook affordable, nutritious meals at home.
Two lively and engaging cooking sessions were held at Woodlands and Ryde Village, inviting residents from a range of schemes, including over 55s and homeless pathways, to get involved.
Led by Petra from The Footprint Trust, the sessions gave residents hands-on experience making quick and tasty air fryer recipes - such as eggy bread and cinnamon rolls - demonstrating that good food doesn’t need to be complicated or costly.
The sessions weren’t just about food, Petra also shared energy-saving advice, helping residents understand how air fryers can be a smart and cost-effective alternative to traditional cooking methods.
We were thrilled to welcome Petra to deliver two fun and practical cooking courses for our residents. These sessions gave everyone the chance to learn, cook, and take home not just recipes - but the tools to keep making healthy meals.”
Generous food hampers were also donated by Briddlesford Farm, packed with high-quality ingredients to encourage continued cooking at home. The response from residents was overwhelmingly positive.
One resident shared: “I feel ready to air fry everything that's air-fryable! I’ve been shown how to save money and been taught easy cooking skills. The course was inclusive, supportive, and a lifeline - I’m on a low income and have just moved from a homeless scheme.”
This project stands as a great example of community support in action - combining practical skills, energy education, and access to fresh food to make a lasting impact on people’s daily lives.
A huge thank you to The Footprint Trust and Briddlesford Farm.
