Community Kitchen started in September 2022 as a Star and Shadow mutual aid initiative, motivated by the cost of living crisis and a desire to build solidarity with our local Shieldfield community. We have a building that is warm, a commercial kitchen and plenty of space — and so we come together once a month, to share food,and get to know people from the area.

We aim to provide a welcoming space where Shieldfield people & volunteers can have a hot meal and take part in community-led activities, such as the electronic ‘Fix-it’ cafe, where you can bring appliances that need mending; the ‘Wooley Mammoth’ knitting club; ‘Rejig’ sewing club; and the barbershop. We want to improve our lives today and build confidence in our ability to build a fair, sustainable world for the future.

As a member of the Shieldfield community, we’ve found the Community Kitchen has been a great way to deepen our links with local people: everyone can be active participants and organisers in this project. Our band of volunteers has already grown to incorporate people who came to eat with us and got to know the Star and Shadow community, and we invite you to come and see what we’re up to, enjoy a meal, and get involved.

We meet once a month: the second Wednesday of each month, at 6pm. At the Star and Shadow Community Kitchen we are committed to feeding anyone, no matter their financial situation. In order to offset our running costs (ingredients, equipment, energy bills) we operate a Pay As You Can policy. As a mutual aid initiative, the point of Community Kitchen is solidarity, not charity: people give what they can (time, money, expertise) and receive what they need (food, warmth, company).

Support Community Kitchen to continue: https://ko-fi.com/starandshadow

To get involved email: mutualaidworks@gmail.com

What is Community Kitchen?

Community Kitchen is a monthly event where Star and Shadow volunteers open the building to create a welcoming community space for all.

At CK we can meet new people, take part in activities, and enjoy a vegan meal.

The project was created in the spirit of solidarity, not charity.

When is Community Kitchen?

Community Kitchen is happening on the 2nd Wednesday of every month

Dates will appear on the programme at starandshadow.org.uk.

Is Community Kitchen free?

Community Kitchen operates under a Pay as You Feel system.

This is to cover the costs of meal ingredients, buying kitchen equipment and running the building.

*Nobody will be turned away for lack of funds.*

How can I support Community Kitchen?

Donate

Our Ko-Fi link is here: https://ko-fi.com/starandshadow, or donate in person at S&S via cash or card.

Volunteer

Details below.

Attend

You are very welcome to come along to our next event!

How can I volunteer?

To volunteer you will need to attend a Star and Shadow induction, see starandshadow.org.uk for the next dates.

To get involved with cooking and serving, you will also need to complete a café induction, and a food hygiene course.

To get involved contact mutualaidworks@gmail.com

We'd love you to join!

Do you cater for dietary requirements?

All our meals are vegan, and allergens will be listed on signage.

We try our best to cater for everyone, so ask our volunteers if there is an allergen-free option available and we will do what we can to provide you with something tasty to eat!

What activities do you put on?

Previous activities have included arts and crafts, Fix-It Café, Re-Jig sewing club, Woolly Mammoths knitting group, and film screenings.

Take a look at the programme to see what's coming up!

If you are interested in hosting an activity, please contact mutualaidworks@gmail.com.

Is Community Kitchen child-friendly?

Children are welcome at Community Kitchen, and we provide some games and toys during the event.

All under 18s must be accompanied by a responsible adult.