After stepping away from her role as a Product Developer at a large food retailer, Sarah was looking for a meaningful way to stay connected to the world of food while searching for her next opportunity. 

“I was looking for a way to share some of my food knowledge while looking for a new role,” she shared. “I’m passionate about the importance of children and adults learning about food and being equipped with the skills to cook and prepare food.” 

That search brought her to Nourish Hub — a place she’d heard described as inclusive, welcoming, and community-focused, just a stone’s throw from where she lived. 

“I was super impressed with the team at Nourish Hub and the facilities — it’s a bright and welcoming space with a team to match!” 

Sarah joined Nourish Hub as a volunteer and quickly immersed herself in the wide variety of work that happens each day. From helping in the kitchen with community meals to supporting children’s and adult’s cookery classes, she saw firsthand the power that food has in connecting people of all ages. 

“I marvelled at the chefs rising to the challenge of creating daily three-course delicious meals using a limited range of donated ingredients – a large-scale version of Ready Steady Cook!” One of her favourite experiences was helping with our kids’ holiday cooking classes. “The children’s mix of skills, knowledge, and enthusiasm made for some very fulfilling — and often noisy — lessons!”  

Sarah also saw the impact of our adult cookery courses, where participants not only learned valuable cooking skills, but also formed bonds over shared meals and swapped culinary tips along the way. “There was a real camaraderie that the participants benefitted from — especially the sessions where we shared the food and ate together at the end.”  

Sarah highlighted how transformative the after-school teenager sessions were too. “Many of the students were pretty quiet when they arrived after a full day at school and seemed a bit reluctant to join in. But once in the kitchen, many of them came alive — excited about chopping, mixing, and cooking. Even if they didn’t always like the food they made, I know they went away having learned a lot and were excited to take their food home to parents and siblings.” 

Sarah also got involved with the Notting Dale Community Cookbook, working closely with Helen, who led the project, Chef Angus and a team of wonderful volunteers. This was a very exciting project which saw the creation of a Community Recipe Book – celebrating the rich diversity of food culture and people in the area. “It was a great example of how the Hub reaches out to the local community — I really enjoyed helping out with the process and at the book community supper celebration.”  

Having reflected on her time with Nourish Hub as not only fulfilling, but a great reminder of how far-reaching the work at Nourish Hub really is, Sarah shared how “The work that Nourish Hub does is so diverse. They spread the importance of food and cooking skills across so many different platforms — from the V&A Museum and nutrition talks at local dance classes, to catering business lunches and even being featured on ITV’s This Morning! The whole team has a real can-do attitude and turns their hands to anything and everything.”  

Now that she’s returned to full-time work, Sarah still plans to stay connected. “I’ve just started back at a new job but will definitely make time to come back and support Nourish Hub whenever I can.” 

“We’re so grateful for Sarah’s contributions — from her professional insight to her joyful presence in the kitchen. Her story is a perfect example of how anyone with a passion for food and people can make a real difference.” Andreea, Deputy Hub Manager 

Inspired to get involved? Whether you’re between jobs, looking to build experience, or just want to give back — there’s a place for you at Nourish Hub. Find out how to volunteer here: https://www.nourishhub.org.uk/volunteer/