Delicious meals cooked up for asylum seekers at Leeds hotel

Last weekend, two of our volunteers made their regular visit to a hotel in Leeds, where they distributed warm hats, gloves and socks to the new arrivals. Whilst there, the resident chef came out to chat and was clearly appalled at the recent news on the inedible food being served to asylum seekers in other parts of the country.

‘My daughter texted me with a picture of some gross looking potato in a plastic pot and asked me if this is what they all get. It is so upsetting.’ He showed me that day’s lunch offering – falafel, fresh flatbreads, tomato dip, hummus and a herby, fruity couscous. He’s been broadening his culinary repertoire to include more Middle Eastern food to show the residents that they are welcome and looked after.

No measly portions here- there was even enough for a takeaway portion for the volunteers. It smelled amazing and we were freezing so we gladly accepted and can attest that chef’s Leeds lunches are very tasty, nutritious and filling!

The lead volunteer for the central Leeds area, Katie, said ‘communicating with the UK Care4Calais network, it is startlingly clear how much of a positive impact good food has on the physical and emotional needs of our migrant friends. When it’s done right, residents have the capacity to use their time in initial accommodation to develop their English skills and support each other at this trying stage in their asylum journey.’

To volunteer for Care4Calais in the U.K., email [email protected]