Tauhida lives in Marylebone with her husband and three children. Originally from Kenya, she moved to the UK in December 2018 to embark on a new chapter with her family. She has been involved with Fitzrovia Community Centre (FCC) for the last couple of years, and back in April 2024, was a participant in the first cohort of the Healthy Eating on a Budget Programme at FCC.
What brought you to the Healthy Eating on a Budget programme?
I had some free time and wanted to get involved with the community. I didn’t know much about healthy eating before, even though I always try to cook well for my kids. My dad had heart issues, so I was really interested in learning more about being healthy. I joined a craft class first, learning stitching and macramé, and then I found the healthy eating programme.
What does food in your family traditionally look like?
In Kenya, everything is fresh—fresh fish, grilled meat, rice, and vegetables. We have a lot of Indian and Arab influences in the food, especially along the coast where I’m from. We use a lot of spices and coconut in our cooking. When we moved here, I tried to keep cooking a variety of dishes for my kids so they could experience different tastes. I always cook at home, and I’ve tried to introduce them to healthier ways of eating.
So, it sounds like you were already an experienced cook. What did you learn from the programme that impacted you the most?
Yes even though I have always cooked, I’ve learned so much about nutrition and cooking in healthier ways. The biggest thing was about portion sizes, and I never realised how much oil or sugar I was using, so I learnt that you don’t need a lot of oil or sugar to make food taste good. The programme taught me to look at what goes on my plate—the rice portion was always huge, and the salad was small! Now, it’s the other way around.
I picked up so many tips. I make my own jam now, I’ve cut out sugary drinks and juices, eating whole fruits instead.
Have you noticed any differences since making these changes?
Yes definitely! I can feel it in my body – I have more energy now, even my skin feels different.
Back home you buy everything fresh from the market. Here, you have to check everything, even a tin of beans. I never used to read the ingredients on food packaging. Now I do, and it’s shocking how much sugar and processed stuff is in things like cereals and even skimmed milk.
Did you learn any other tips about budgeting on the programme?
Since completing the programme, I’ve started using frozen vegetables more after learning that they’re just as nutritious, even more than fresh food, and they don’t spoil as quickly, and it saves money.
I also batch cook and freeze things which is cheaper. I notice how much money I have saved. I look at different supermarkets and their different deals. And go to the market which has cheaper fresh goods.
What did you enjoy most about the programme?
It’s the combination of learning new cooking techniques and being part of a community. I picked up tips like making crispy chicken in the oven with just a tiny bit of flour, instead of frying it. I’ve also switched to baking most things, like chips for my kids. But beyond the cooking, it was about meeting new people, learning from each other, and sharing recipes from different cultures. It’s something I really looked forward to every week. You meet new people, you work with different people. It’s amazing.
After completing the programme, what made you want to volunteer with new groups?
Since coming to London, I’ve always wanted to volunteer. Sandra, who runs the programme, is so welcoming. She makes you feel like you’re part of a family. I always look forward to the sessions to see her and be part of the group. I love cooking, so it felt natural to get involved as a volunteer. It’s been such a positive environment, and I enjoy helping out and giving back.
What do you find rewarding about volunteering?
It’s amazing to see people grow through the programme. You can see how their confidence builds each week. At first, they might be unsure, but by the third week, they’re trying new things, adapting recipes, and feeling more comfortable in the kitchen. It’s really rewarding to be part of that journey and see them accomplish something.
What would you say to someone considering joining the programme?
I’d tell them they’ll definitely learn something new—whether it’s a cooking technique or something about nutrition. Even if you already know how to cook, you’ll pick up tips and tricks you didn’t know before. I’m a good cook, but I learned things I never knew about sugar, oil, and portion sizes.
It doesn’t matter what level you are at when you join the programme. We had people with very different backgrounds and confidence levels. There was a gentleman in my group who didn’t know how to cook at all and was also diabetic. It was incredible to see how by working together, he grew more confident through the hands-on experience and encouragement from others. Being there in person, cooking, mixing ingredients—it really makes a difference. It’s not the same as just reading a recipe which can be daunting if you don’t know how to cook.
Cooking with others also gives you that sense of community. You’re surrounded by people who are learning alongside you, helping each other, and giving tips. It’s empowering. Even if people start off feeling unsure, by the third week, you can see everyone gaining confidence, trying new things, and getting more comfortable. It gives you hope and makes you feel like, “I can do this.” It’s an amazing journey.
Is there a moment or lesson that stands out for you?
Definitely the portion sizes, and also learning that you should eat fish twice a week! I didn’t know that. And I’m from the coast, where we eat a lot of fish. I also learned how healthy Greek yogurt is. I used to think porridge was the best breakfast, but now I find that Greek yogurt keeps me full longer because there’s no sugar spike. Also, checking ingredients—once you start reading labels, you can’t stop!
What is next on your healthy eating journey?
I’d love to take a longer nutrition course, maybe even online. And I really want to help other people. My dad was a philanthropist, so I’m really inspired by him. Once I learn more, I’d love to share that knowledge and give advice to people in my community. It’s not about money, it’s about helping others live healthier lives.
We are running the Healthy Eating on a Budget programme in community centres and temporary homeless accommodation hostels across London. If you are interested in the full programme or taster session, please complete this form.
If you represent a funder and are interested in this programme, get in touch at fundraising@feastwithus.org.uk