A PORTLAND group is aiming to expand its support of local producers with new cookery and growing initiatives.

In 2012 Island Community Action launched Portland Pride, a local enterprise to promote and support craft and food producers from Portland and the surrounding area.

Their latest project, Growing Local, takes things one step further by offering a range of community based growing and cooking activities, all of which will encourage people to get more hands on with the food they eat.

CEO Kim Wilcocks said: “The process of growing and preparing food can have massive benefits for individuals and communities alike. Portland Pride: Growing Local will provide opportunities for people to develop their skills and interest in food, whether they are complete beginners or looking to take their existing passion for food a little further, for example, starting their own home-based food business or a community food project.”

The project, which is funded by The People’s Health Trust Health Full program, will be delivered by ICA in collaboration with local food and horticultural professionals and enthusiasts.

One key partner is Housing and Care 21, who have offered their kitchen at Castletown’s Foylebank Court for the project’s cookery workshops.

Assistant Manager, Christine said: “Housing and Care 21 is happy to join with ICA to allow the community to come together for cooking classes and lunch clubs.

“It is nice to see that tenants of Foylebank are mixing in and able to join in on the activities that ICA provides.”

Sara Atkins from Castletown, is taking part in the project. She said it had made a big difference, adding: “I wasn’t sure what to expect so was quite nervous about attending the class, but actually I really enjoyed it.

“The tutor is great, she explains things really well, so I found that I learnt a lot in a relatively small amount of time.

“Since finishing the sessions I have been inspired to do much more home cooking and am really thinking about what the kids and I are putting into our systems.

“I’ve even had my first dinner party, where I cooked a recipe I’d learnt for six of our friends, which they really loved. Before the course I’d never have had the confidence to do that.”

Workshops will cover a wide range of subjects, from beginners to advanced cookery and growing courses to one-off workshops, such as artisan bakery, fish cookery and the herb garden. For more information on upcoming sessions contact the ICA office on 01305 823789.

CONTACT ME:

t: 01305 830981

e: catherine.bolado@dorsetecho.co.uk

twitter: @DorsetEchoCB