Keen2Cook in Deal awarded £2,500 from Calor for new cooking equipment

Keen2Cook in Deal has been awarded a grant of £2,500 to purchase new kitchen equipment, as part of the rural energy provider’s annual funding scheme

Keen2Cook in Deal is celebrating after being awarded a grant of £2,500 to purchase new kitchen equipment, as part of rural energy provider Calor’s annual funding scheme.

The aim of the Calor Rural Community Fund is to give off-grid communities the chance to gain grants for projects that will improve local life. With a total fund of £50,000, this year the scheme offered funding for 21 different projects, with prize pots ranging from £1,000 up to £5,000.

Keen2Cook provides cooking lessons and social activities for the local community, including those on low incomes, those with mental health conditions, ex-offenders and the elderly. The scheme teaches people to cook healthy, from-scratch meals with fresh ingredients on a tight budget. It also provides an opportunity for people to socialise in a relaxed and friendly setting, helping to reduce social isolation.

The Calor grant will be used to purchase new kitchen appliances and equipment, as the existing kit receives heavy use and needs replacing.

Stephanie Hayman from Keen2Cook said: “Our participants learn cooking skills that help them switch from relying on ready meals and takeaways to a healthier diet, regardless of income, helping them build self-confidence. For many it provides time out from emotional and practical stresses.

“Participants with mental health conditions learn recipes that incorporate a wide range of fresh ingredients known to support improved mental health. Calor’s generosity means that we can continue to support our community, teaching skills that will last a lifetime.”

Paul Blacklock, Calor’s Corporate Affairs Manager added: “As a rural energy provider, we understand that country living can be challenging and access to community facilities can be especially difficult.

“We set up the Calor Rural Community Fund to be able to give something back to these rural communities, and this year we were inundated by a number of deserving projects. We’re delighted to award Keen2Cook with £2,500 to help their community project and look forward to seeing the results.

“This year’s scheme was so successful we plan to relaunch bigger and better in 2019, so keep an eye out on our website and social media channels for updates as we hope to be funding more fantastic projects near you!”

For further information, please visit www.calor.co.uk/communityfund.