A new ‘Super Kitchen’ has been launched in Cotgrave to help tackle food waste and reduce social isolation in its communities. Rushcliffe Borough Council and Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing are working with volunteers to source and create delicious meals for local residents at the kitchen using left over food from surplus food charity Fareshare.

The kitchen is open every Thursday at Cotgrave Welfare Centre from 12pm to 2pm, where attendees pay just £2.50 for a healthy balanced meal and have the chance to make friends and socialise with fellow attendees. The initiative forms part of the Rushcliffe Roots campaign, which aims to celebrate healthy, locally sourced and sustainable food whilst connecting residents with their food roots.

Rushcliffe Borough Council’s Deputy Leader Cllr Debbie Mason said: “We hope the Super Kitchen will bring people together with nutritious food at a low cost, providing social and health benefits.

“It’s vital we give as many residents as possible in Rushcliffe the chance to access healthy food and learn more about why a balanced diet is so important.” Local GP Dr Richard Stratton from Rushcliffe Clinical Commissioning Group, Operations Manager at PartnersHealth Nikki Lucas also attended the event to lend their support to the campaign.

Dr Stratton said: “There is a really strong community feel in Cotgrave and these events can really benefit vulnerable groups such as those who are socially isolated or at risk of food poverty. “Attending these events can provide residents with a mental boost and it’s great that surplus food is used giving environmental benefits too.”

For more information on setting up your own Super Kitchen initiative, visit www.superkitchen.org