A cookbook with recipes from the community has been born out of kindness.
Diane Johnston, once reliant on a food bank, now volunteers there, and is sharing affordable cooking tips within The Cumberland's Kinder Cookbook.
Previously turning to St Barnabas Foodbank in Carlisle for essential food during challenging times for herself and her teenage daughter, she now helps support more than 50 families there.
She said: "I know what it's like to struggle to make ends meet at times.
“The foodbank not only gave me vital supplies for me and my family when we needed it the most, it also helped me realise we were not on our own.
“There’s no shame in asking for help.
"In fact, I believe it’s a strength.
“So many of us are struggling these days and we all do what we can to support each other.”
The produce the Foodbank receives from FareShare Lancashire and Cumbria is described as a 'lifeline' by the volunteer.
Ms Johnston has contributed a recipe to The Kinder Cookbook, which commemorates the Kinder Kind of Kitchen community initiative by The Cumberland, in partnership with FareShare Lancashire and Cumbria, and FareShare Glasgow and the West of Scotland.
Ms Johnston said: "“I wanted to share a recipe that I cook often as it’s a great way of using the canned food that we get in regularly from FareShare Lancashire and Cumbria.
“There’s a lot of fibre in my soup, and you can be as creative as you want with anything you want to add.
"I often mix in some chilli and fresh vegetables - anything I have to hand. It’s cheap, filling, nutritious and full of flavour."
Aaron Eland-Cullis, PR executive at The Cumberland, noticed the positive impact of St Barnabas Foodbank during a visit.
He said: "It was lovely to spend the afternoon with the volunteers at St Barnabas and see how they make such a positive difference in their community.
"Their kindness and compassion is inspiring."
Also involved in the book is Harraby Community Centre.
The café brings the community together over a budget-friendly ‘hearty soup meal deal’.
Liz Jackson, the manager, said: “On a cold winter’s day nothing can beat the taste of our delicious homemade vegetable soup.
“Our meal deal is always a sell-out.
"On most Mondays we have about 40 to 50 people gathering together to eat soup, chat, laugh and make new friends.
"We love to see how food can bring people together, warming their hearts as well as their bellies."
Just like Ms Johnston, Ms Jackson is contributing a delectable soup recipe to The Kinder Cookbook.
The centre, with the help of their community garden and weekly food delivery, opens Monday through Friday, providing people with healthy food options and friendly company.
Ms Jackson said: "There will always be someone to talk to and we have lots of volunteers to support you.
“Some people have formed little friendship groups who always meet at their favourite table. It’s lovely to see the comfort that food and friendship bring."
A pop-up shop at Harraby Community Centre means you can take home eight items for £3.50, including fresh produce, tinned goods, toiletries, dog and cat food.
The free book can be downloaded at www.cumberland.co.uk/kinderkitchens/cookbook.
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