We thought it would be great to introduce you to some members of our team so you can see what goes on behind the scenes at Bags of Taste, here you can find out more about our Area Co-ordinator in Wiltshire, Neve…..

 

 

1. Can you share a bit about your background?

My name is Neve and I am one of the Area Coordinators for Wiltshire here at Bags of Taste, as well as a mentor.
During university I studied Biomedical Science, which I then specialised in nutrition and the social impact of the biosciences. I then went on to study a Masters in Nutrition.

2. What inspired you to get involved with Bags of Taste?

I was previously volunteering for an eating disorder charity helpline, which was really interesting, however during my studies I became more interested in researching food insecurity and the social determinants of nutrition.

One of my course mates mentioned she volunteered with Bags of Taste and loved it, so I signed up as a mentor which I found super rewarding and really inspiring. Bags of Taste actually helps to address the root issues, such as learning how to cook with cans (which are typically cheap and found in food banks), as well as being flexible around people’s time.

3. What makes Bags of Taste so impactful for communities like Wiltshire? 

I work in Wiltshire, which is an area that is newly opening, and I am a pool mentor, so I mentor for different locations. Consistently I see a positive impact and engagement from participants. For example, students have told me they feel more independent and have the confidence to cook again, relying less on frozen foods and takeaways as they have the confidence to cook with items they normally wouldn’t know what to do with and would just hide in their cupboard.

4. Can you share a memorable moment when you saw someone benefit from Bags of Taste programme?

One memorable moment was when I was mentoring a group with learning difficulties so I got to speak to the participants and their parents/carers. For one end form I spoke to the participant, their mum and carer. The carer was helping the participant cook, and this programme indirectly gave her the confidence to cook more and feel inspired to try some new recipes. When speaking to the mum, she was so proud and said she would share the course with Disability Action Yorkshire as she really saw the benefit of the programme.
Another memorable moment was a participant who used to be a chef and had been in a car crash which left him with a brain injury. He had completely lost his confidence to cook but during the course really thrived and sped through everything. Afterwards, he said how rewarding it was to cook again and feel the enjoyment of it, and he was really proud of himself and felt more motivated to cook more.

 

5. How has your background in nutrition helped you with your role?

My background in nutrition has definitely helped with being a mentor.

As I was interested in food insecurity I did a few research projects on this and so learning about the reasons why people are food insecure definitely helped me shape my understanding of how Bags of Taste can help them. I think nutrition also helps me make useful suggestions for food swaps and suggest swaps that are still tasty and protein/fibre filled but more suitable for participants’ taste. I am excited to become AfN registered and develop my skills more in nutrition working at Bags of Taste.

6. Lastly, what do you like doing when you are not working at Bags of Taste and in your spare time?

In my spare time, I work in events and hospitality which I love! I am a massive people person and love the glitz and glam of events and promotion work – as you are putting a smile on people’s faces. I like trying new sports and hobbies so over the summer I have got a set of DJ decks which I want to practice.