University of Hertfordshire serves up thought-provoking menu of food-based activities
Members of the public were treated to cooking demonstrations, thought-provoking art and discussions about the challenges and possibilities of eating well during difficult economic times at a free event in Hitchin this week.
The Food in Hard Times event, run by the University of Hertfordshire in partnership with local organisations, was part of this year’s Festival of Social Science, exploring what research says individuals, families and communities can do to reduce the impact of the cost-of-living crisis.
Hitchin’s festival highlights included cooking demonstrations and tastings featuring budget-friendly recipes from the past and present, a board game sharing ideas about the factors that influence what we eat, the opportunity for people to connect with local organisations, and the chance to ride a smoothie bike, courtesy of health and wellbeing organisation Beezee.
There was also a powerful art exhibition from Uttlesford Foodbank community, linked to University of Hertfordshire research by chef and PhD researcher Dr James Shepherd and Reader in Modern History Dr Daniel Grey, exploring and challenging historical stereotypes of mothers in poverty and contemporary food bank users.
Speaking after the event, Professor of Food, Families and Society at the University of Hertfordshire Rebecca O’Connell said:
“Events like this remind us of the importance and value of bringing together local communities, organisations and social scientific research to help build social solidarities and shape fairer and more sustainable food futures.
“Thank you to everyone who came along and shared their experiences, ideas and reflections with us.”
Desiree Ashton, Advocacy and Engagement at Uttlesford Foodbank, added:
“We were delighted to collaborate with the team at the University of Hertfordshire as part of the Festival of Social Science in Hitchin. The theme was Food in Hard Times, with a focus on stigma, prejudice and labels which are often in play around those experiencing hardship. Our community artwork, I AM MORE, drew out conversations and invited community participation from young and old alike.”
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Festival of Social Science, which has seen 41 universities organise more than 300 free online, in-person and hybrid events across the UK. University of Hertfordshire events also include activities at The Galleria Outlet Shopping Centre in Hatfield on 30 October, exploring how co-operatives and other community-led initiatives can help, and how working with neighbours can cut the cost of the weekly shop.
The annual Festival of Social Science is funded by the UK Research and Innovation’s (UKRI) Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), which supports world-leading research, data and post-graduate training in economic, behavioural, social and data sciences.