Barking holiday activities + Food programme
For the past three years we’ve had the honour of spending our holidays creating amazing meals and activities for young people in Barking in partnership with Company Drinks and Going Picking. It’s a space that encourages young people to be curious explorers — to be seen and appreciated for their individuality, with a sense of playfulness, imagination and adventure in nature.
Each day we cook delicious vegetarian meals for around 30 young people, introducing different cultural dishes and flavours. Our aim is to help young people playfully enjoy food, be inquisitive and try new combinations, spices and ingredients — breaking out of the idea that “I don’t eat vegetables”.
We follow two simple rules at lunch: have everything on your first plate (even if it’s just a tiny bit) and then come back with an opinion. On your second plate you can have whatever you like. There’s always a favourite carb to barter with — “finish the salad and you get more nachos!” — and the final meal of the week becomes a joyful feast of flavours.
From day one our kitchen door is open, inviting young people to watch, ask questions and build a whole new relationship with food through curiosity, conversation and shared meals.