A TV chef and food writer has praised a Belfast organisation that helped families combat food poverty during the coronavirus lockdown.
Jack Monroe last night described the efforts of the Belfast Food Network, which used National Lottery funding to provide online cooking classes for families on low incomes during the crisis, as "absolutely vital".
They provided ideas for creating recipes based on grocery packs which were being distributed to those in need.
Ms Monroe, who is known for her campaigning on poverty issues and hunger relief, recently joined an online call with Kerry Melville, project co-ordinator at the Belfast Food Network, as part of The National Lottery’s Good News Bulletin.
The online series hosted by comedian Joe Wilkinson features projects from across the UK who have used National Lottery funding to adapt and help their community during the coronavirus pandemic.
Ms Monroe, who started her career by sharing budget recipes she created as a single parent to provide family meals for less than £10 per week, praised the initiative for families in Belfast.
"The work the Belfast Food Network is doing and the service they are providing is absolutely vital to families," she said.
"Every single person who has watched one of their online cooking classes will find them of great benefit."
Ms Melville also said it was a "nice surprise to see Jack pop on the call".
"We are delighted that families, especially those on low income, have the chance to learn how to cook nutritious food," she said.
"We are pleased our work has been recognised and we want to thank National Lottery players for the funding that has enabled us to this.”
Mr Wilkinson, star of Netflix series After Life and 8 out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, added: "Thanks to National Lottery players, up to £600 million has been made available to help communities throughout the UK amid the coronavirus crisis.
"The Good News Bulletin features how people and projects have rallied together to support each other during lockdown.
"I promise you there won’t be any zoom quizzes or online Zumba but just a few heart-warming stories and terrific tales of, well, good news and great people."
