Every year on October 16th, the world comes together to observe World Food Day. The day aims to raise awareness about global hunger and the need for food security.
Our 'Welcome Café serves hot free meals on Mondays and Thursdays, and truly is the heart of our centre. In 2023 so far (mid October), we have served 8,108 hot meals to 507 different people. What makes the Welcome Café special is the diversity of flavours and cultures we showcase. We serve meals from all across the world, including Afghanistan, Syria, Iran, Lebanon, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Mexico, Eritrea, and beyond. This global cuisine is made possible by our chefs and assistants, who come from Nigeria, Syria, Iran, Kurdistan, Togo, Afghanistan, Mexico, Pakistan, Albania, and Eritrea.
We also aspire to cook sustainably as some of our ingredients - lettuce, courgette, potato, and a variety of herbs - are all grown in our centre's garden or donated by allotment growers. We have big plans to expand the garden, produce more food, and enhance our sustainability.
In tribute to World Food Day, we've talked to our team about their thoughts on the Welcome Café and their own food traditions.
Arsalan - Activities Co-ordinator: The Welcome Café supervisor
Arsalan has been the Welcome Café supervisor for over 2 years. He's in charge of making sure we have enough ingredients for the service, he trains all the staff on food hygiene and safe conduct in the kitchen. We owe so much of the café's current success to him.
The Park Ward community and people seeking asylum have limited income, the latter only gets £45 per week from the government, which is basically nothing. The café helps twice a week and allows people that extra freedom per week not to spend their money on food.
It's a good way to bring people together, make friends, have a chat, and get people out of their accommodation and into a safe fun environment.
My favourite food is a traditional Iranian dish, it's got rice, mixed vegetables, dill, mint, parsley, kidney beans, and lamb.
The Welcome Cafe's team of volunteers
Why did you join the Welcome Café?
Every day, I love cooking. I want to learn English and help people.
Everyone is nice people. When people give to you, you need to give to them also. - Rachael
I'm here because St Augustine's needs chefs and I love to cook. It makes me feel free. - Vernette
Why is the Welcome Café important?
Cooking at St. Augustine's is one of my favourite work, I feel that I can do a thing that helps other people.
The best food is always better for people. The Welcome Café brings people together, everyone is kind. When I came to St Augustine's I was very happy. - Samadou
It brings people together in love. - Rachael
I notice people living in hotels, always leave and eat at the Welcome Café. For someone to travel and leave their accommodation, it means the food is good. And good food has power. - Vernette
What is a special traditional meal from your culture?
My speciality is chicken...In Togo, a traditional meal is fufu, served with meat and fish. - Samadou
You have the taste of Africa, Lebanon, and Syria. A taste of everything...In Nigeria, we eat jollof rice with lots of vegetable oil. I'm a rice lover. - Rachael
In the West Indies, we use ground provisions when cooking...Traditional in the Caribbean is a whole roasted Turkey...Pelau soup with dumplings and kidney beans...We also eat fire-roasted breadfruit. - Vernette
There are many favourite meals to make: Kebbeh, grape leaves, pasta, and any healthy food I love.
Thank you to Community Foundation for Calderdale, Staying Well, and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, for their continued support.
Together, we can ensure that every day is World Food Day, where nobody is left hungry or undernourished, and everybody is welcomed with a full plate of food.