National food writer and Life Kitchen co-founder, Ryan Riley, has just launched Essential Flavour, a new cookbook created in partnership with Norfolk’s Big C Cancer Charity. Here, he explains why he wanted to do something to help people living with cancer during the cost of living crisis
Ryan Riley and Kimberley Duke are co-founders of Life Kitchen, a not-for-profit cookery school for people living with cancer. The pair have partnered with East Anglian cancer charity, Big C, who have funded Essential Flavour, a new cookbook to help cancer patients who may be struggling with changes in taste and appetite as well as the added pressure of the rising cost of living.
Essential Flavour aims to help cancer patients who are struggling through the cost-of-living crisis. It comes as a OnePoll survey finds that 55% of cancer patients think they will struggle to pay for food this winter. A second report found that seven in 10 people living with cancer are now facing unexpected costs averaging £6,500 per year.
The new bright and engaging cookbook features 15 budget-friendly recipes, costing from as little as 58p per person to make. Essential Flavour uses everyday ingredients to create a delicious selection of meals that will tempt the taste buds, all at a cost-effective price. The recipes use ingredients from supermarket ‘essentials’ ranges and can be easily created at home. The book’s Swedish style meatballs for example, average £2.96 per serving for two (£1.48 per person), while the spicy bean quesadillas work out at £1.94 (97p each). For those with a sweet tooth, the miso banana crumble is £1.41 for two (71p per person). There are even recipes that can be used as tasty Christmas alternatives, such as the fried chicken sandwich with miso spring onion mayo and sage & onion stuffing, costing only £2.05 for two (£1.03 per person).
Ryan Riley says: ‘The cost of living crisis is a huge concern for everyone across the entire country, particularly those living with cancer. We created Essential Flavour because we wanted to do something to help, to try and relieve some of that anxiety for people living with cancer. All of the recipes have been created with cost in mind, but they’re still full of flavour and delicious.’
Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall, multi-award-winning writer, broadcaster and supporter of Life Kitchen has written the foreword for Essential Flavour. He says: ‘This is an important, compassionate and hugely useful book which recognises the impact of the cost of living crisis upon our most vulnerable in the UK. It’s dreadful to hear that when facing a cancer diagnosis, many are more concerned with how they will afford to eat…I’m sure that it will serve as a vital resource for those that need it most.’
Dr Melanie Pascale, Director of Charitable Operations at Big C says: ‘This book couldn’t be coming at a more important time. We’re increasingly hearing from people who are in a difficult financial situation, on top of the profound challenge of cancer. We’re very proud to support Life Kitchen in bringing this book to fruition and hope that it offers both practical help and reassurance for those that need it most.
‘The approach of the inspirational team at Life Kitchen echoes Big C’s holistic ethos towards cancer care and the charity’s Nourish & Nurture nutrition and wellness programme for cancer patients going through treatment. Many cancer treatments and the disease itself can lead to weight loss due to changes in metabolism, lean muscle mass loss and a decrease in appetite due to changes in taste and smell.
‘Food is at the centre of our daily lives and struggling to eat can significantly affect not only the patient, but family life, relationships and the enjoyment in spending time together at a time when this is needed most. To achieve the best outcomes for patients, it is therefore important to raise awareness of these symptoms and side-effects and to offer tailored support.’
Dr Pascale, whose PhD is in Molecular Biology, Nutrition & Cancer Research, developed the Nourish & Nurture programme which is run in conjunction with leading NHS dietitians, nutritionists, food scientists and physiotherapists. The team works with small groups to focus on improving lifestyle and behaviours to support best outcomes.
Participants receive guidance on healthy eating, how best to manage common cancer-related eating issues, practical food preparation skills, physical activity and wellbeing support. Learning to enjoy food during cancer treatment can provide crucial nutrition and boost morale. It can also help family members who like to express their love through cooking good food and feel that they are providing care and supporting recovery. The book focuses on delicious, affordable recipes to help those with cancer during the cost of living crisis.
There are 5000 printed copies of free book, Essential Flavours (£3 P&P fee applies) available from big-c.co.uk or lifekitchen.co.uk or can be collected from Big C centres in Norfolk. A free online download will be available so that no one misses out.
Featured image of Ryan Riley’s partnership with Big C, by Julian Claxton
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