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 Niamh who works for Bags of Taste in Tower Hamlets and Wandsworth…..
1. Can you share a bit about your background and how it led to your work with Bags of Taste?
I’m an experienced Registered Nutritionist (RNutr) who has worked in the NHS for 4 years in weight management services and I now run my own nutrition business. My area of expertise is weight management, women’s health, pre- and post-natal nutrition and early years nutrition. A big barrier for many people is cooking, whether that’s education, time or confidence which is what led me to Bags of Taste.
2. What inspired you to get involved with Bags of Taste?
Bags of Taste is a fantastic programme supporting people with multiple challenges across England to learn skills to cook nutritious food and improve their confidence in the kitchen. The programme addresses health inequalities in areas of high deprivation so I knew joining Bags of Taste would make a big difference to people in these areas. Bags of Taste provide low-cost recipes and smart shopping skills empowering people to cook and eat healthily within their means.
3. What makes Bags of Taste so impactful for communities?
Bags of Taste has a strong impact in communities like Wandsworth and Tower Hamlets because it goes beyond teaching people how to cook, it addresses the deeper barriers that prevent people from eating well on a low income. Instead of people having to attend physical classes which can be inaccessible and costly, Bags of Taste delivers low-cost bags of ingredients to the participants home. This flexibility means it reaches people who may not usually engage with community programmes who have caring responsibilities, disabilities or low confidence.
4. Can you share a memorable moment when you saw someone benefit from the programme?
I really remember supporting a single parent who had 3 children. They were struggling with finances and finding it difficult to know how to cook healthy meals for the whole family. This family had never used chickpeas in a meal before and the parent was shocked that the children ate them, let alone asked for more. Chickpeas are a cheap food with a long shelf life and a good source of fibre, protein and nutrients. Having the knowledge and confidence to add chickpeas to a meal and make it taste nice was a game changer for this parent. Supporting people in the community of Tower Hamlets and Wandsworth and having an impact on their lifestyle is really rewarding.
5. Have you noticed any broader changes in the community as a result of Bags of Taste?
I have noticed broader changes in the community. It has improved residents’ awareness around their health. Participants reported eating more home cooked meals spending less money on takeaways, sometimes over £1000 per year. This has an impact on their children and family too because it meant they could afford other essential items. The course helps people to understand how to reduce processed foods in their diet whilst adding more nutritious foods. This may help to reduce the need for other health services long-term.
6. What has been the biggest challenges you’ve faced working in Tower Hamlets and Wandsworth and how does the Bags of Taste’s approach address it?
Food is personal and we need to be sensitive to different cultural preferences and dietary needs when promoting the programme. Bags of Taste has created over 80 recipes that are from all over the world for participants who graduate from our programme. This is important for participants who may come from diverse cultural backgrounds in Wandsworth and Tower Hamlets borough. Bags of Taste has included a dietary requirement question box on the registration form so that we are aware of any religious or ethical restrictions such as halal, kosher or vegetarian as well as allergies and intolerances keeping the course inclusive to everyone.
7. How has your background in nutrition helped you with your role?
My background in Nutrition can be really valuable working at Bags of Taste. Our mission is to empower people to cook affordable and healthy meals at home. I always promote a food first approach to improve diet because it’s accessible and more affordable than expensive supplements. I have experience in using behaviour change techniques and motivational interviewing skills which can help motivate participants to change their behaviour and give them the confidence to make simple nutritious swaps.
8. Lastly, what do you like doing when you are not working at Bags of Taste and in your spare time?
When I’m not working for Bags of Taste, I am successfully supporting and guiding my own clients through their nutrition journey to achieve sustainable weight loss and maintenance, nutrition during pregnancy, postnatal and beyond and women’s health. I love travelling and exploring new places, spending time in the mountains, running, playing sport, socialising with friends and family and connecting with my community.
