Episode 1
Overview:
In the first episode of Series 3, host Miriam Rendell talks to Duncan Swainsbury, founder of Bounceback Food CIC, about their efforts to tackle the cost of living crisis across the UK this winter. Grant Henderson, Bounceback’s head chef, discusses the meal drives and the broader work of their community cookery school in Manchester. Jake Campbell from Victoria House explains the vital importance of receiving these meals for their beneficiaries, and Robbie Kelly from the Dandelion Centre in Wythenshawe highlights the role of food in bringing people together.
Miriam begins by speaking with Duncan about the meal drives Bounceback has organised and the seasonal Reverse Advent Calendar. They also explore the various fundraising products Bounceback Food has developed this year, from chopping boards to tote bags.
Next, Miriam catches up with Grant Henderson on the first day of the meal drive. Grant shares how the team is batch cooking and distributing 100 meals that day. He also opens up about his journey from Scotland to Manchester, his passion for cooking, and his previous roles as head chef. They then discuss the ‘Community Cooking with Surplus Food’ classes that Bounceback Food have been running in collaboration with The Bread and Butter Thing, a redistribution charity.
The episode continues with a discussion about Victoria House, part of the Connect Manchester service, which provides accommodation and support to adults who are homeless, experiencing housing-related crises, or in need of temporary housing. Miriam talks to Jake Campbell from Victoria House, who gives insight into what these meals mean for their community, which typically relies on canned goods. Finally, Robbie from The Dandelion Centre in Wythenshawe shares the impact of the cooking classes that Bounceback teams have been delivering there over the past 18 months.
Listen now via Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Secrets Shared:
- We are continuing the mission to replicate our Manchester Cookery School Team in other cities across the UK
- Nationally over 100 different partner, non profit, and charity organisations are taking part in the Reverse Advent Calendar campaign, they have listed on our website the items that they’re most in need of.
- We have developed Bounceback chopping boards with a partner charity in Bradford – Hive
- The release of our first recipe calendar – 12 seasonal recipes one for each month of 2023
- We have worked with Leeds based artist North or Nowt on our Bounceback Food tote bags, we have printed the Bounceback logo in two different colours to choose from.
- Grant, our Bounceback Food Head Chef, has been a chef since the age of 16 and grew up in rural Scotland before moving to Manchester a few years ago.
- Grant tells us about the ‘Community Cooking with Surplus Food’ classes that are running in Altrincham alongside The Bread and Butter Thing.
- Grant also tells us about the ‘Live Well Programme’ that is running in Wythenshawe at The Dandelion Centre.
Resources:
- The Bread and Butter Thing – https://www.breadandbutterthing.org/
- Leeds based artist North or Nowts’ website
- Hives’ website
- Our social media: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram & YouTube
- Browse a selection of our fundraising products, including the new chopping boards and tote bags.
- The Reverse Advent Calendar 2023
Interviewees
- Duncan Swainsbury, founder of Bounceback Food CIC.
- Grant Henderson, Bounceback Food Head Chef.
- Jake Campbell, from Victoria House, part of the CONNECT Manchester service.
- Robbie, from The Dandelion Centre in Wythenshawe.
Episode 2
Overview:
In this episode, host Miriam Rendell delves into the crucial work of Bounceback Food CIC as they support communities hit hardest by the cost of living crisis. The episode begins with a conversation with Grace Namwanje, a GP social prescribing link worker in Dudley, who discusses Bounceback’s outreach in the West Midlands, particularly the weekly cookery classes at Creheart Community Centre. These classes, designed for migrant women and survivors of domestic abuse, provide not only cooking skills but also mindfulness practices that help lift spirits and foster community. Participants share personal stories of how these workshops have helped them overcome feelings of depression and created a sense of belonging.
Miriam talks with Duncan about Bounceback’s efforts in London and the South East, where they have been distributing meals. Duncan also introduces the annual social enterprise internship programme, which offers young people valuable experience in the charitable sector, and announces the launch of the Food Poverty Innovation Award. This award includes a £250 grant, startup support, and mentoring from the Bounceback team, aimed at fostering new ideas to combat food insecurity.
Later, Miriam speaks with Jo Gordon, founder of My Sisters’ Kitchen, a social enterprise in Sunderland that provides training, employment, and a sense of belonging to some of the city’s most disadvantaged women. Jo shares the origins of My Sisters’ Kitchen and how it has become a lifeline for many in the community.
Finally, Teresa Mare from St Vincent’s, known locally as Vinny’s, in Newcastle, talks about the critical support they provide to vulnerable individuals and families. Teresa explains how Vinny’s helps people with food, clothing, and mental health support. This episode highlights the multifaceted approach Bounceback Food CIC and its partners are taking to address food insecurity and support vulnerable populations across the UK.
Listen now via Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Secrets Shared:
- We have launched applications for the annual Social Enterprise Internship programme.
- We have launched Food Poverty Innovation Award, with a grant of £250 to support a startup that is tackling food insecurity and surplus food.
- Grace Namwanje, from Creheart, tells us about the important link between cooking and mindfullness.
- Jo, from My Sister’s Kitchen, started her social enterprise journey 6 years ago, with the desire to create a community food project.
- My Sister’s Kitchen offers training opportunities and employment for women.
- My Sister’s Kitchen supply baked good to local cafes and restaurants.
- They also run cooking classes for children aged 7 to 14 during school holidays.
- Vinny’s Cafe at Saint Vincent Center provides a free three-course meal every Tuesday.
- Vinny’s plans to start a pop-up market offering low-cost food and clothes.
Resources:
- Our social media: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram & YouTube
- Interested in becoming a partner with us? Find out more here.
- Become a restaurant partner with us
- Our Food Portal
Interviewees:
- Grace Namwanje, a GP social prescribing link worker in Dudley who spoke with us about Creheart Community Centre.
- Duncan Swainsbury, founder of Bounceback Food CIC.
- Jo Gordon, founder of My Sisters’ Kitchen (@mysisterskitchencic).
- Teresa Mare, from St Vincent’s in Newcastle.