A project led by a group of Councillors in Thetford to help tackle the cost-of-living crisis has reached its target of providing 50 slow cookers for local residents.
It is estimated a slow cooker saves a family on average £300 per year on utility bills when compared against the cost of a standard oven – a significant benefit.
There was muted celebration among the group of seven Labour Councillors this week as the 50th slow cooker was sourced and given away. If all appliances are used to their full potential, the saving to Thetford families could be as high as £15,000 a year in utility costs.
Councillor Terry Jermy, Breckland Labour Group Leader said; “We wanted to do something that was both practical and provided ongoing support. Slow cookers have become very popular this autumn as people have switched to cheaper ways of cooking.
“But many people cannot afford that immediate cost. We’re delighted to have raised £1,000 to purchase these slow cookers, all of which have now been distributed”.
Local organisations that received the slow cookers were: Thetford Foodbank, Doves Nest Ministries, Thetford and District Dementia Support, Growkids, Meet Up Café (Benjamin Foundation) and the Burrell Shop.
Each organisation was responsible for matching the slow cookers with appropriate families or individuals in need. Included in the donation was a cookbook as well as an invitation to a free cooking class at the Charles Burrell Centre so those receiving the machine can maximise their use.
Mike Towndrow, Manager of the Meet Up Cafe said; “We were delighted to be allocated 10 slow cookers and have been making them available to families that we work with. A young mum said to us that she had been looking at buying one but with money so tight she just couldn’t afford it. She said being gifted one was like Christmas had come early”.
Paul Welham of Doves Nest Ministries said: “We were delighted to have 10 brand new slow cookers made available to use.”
He added: “We will distribute them to families that come to us in need. The slow cookers are a great way of enabling people to cook a nutritious, healthy meal at an affordable cost”.
