Community establishment unveils neighbourhood cafe to tackle food scarcity issues
In the heart of Islington, a new community cafe named Jean's Cafe has opened its doors on Caledonian Road, also known as 'the Cally'. This unique establishment, a partnership between Manor Gardens Welfare Trust and Islington Council, is making waves in the community with its fresh, nutritious meals and focus on bringing people together.
The cafe is a tribute to Jean Stokes, one of Cally's first community heroes. Its mission is to provide affordable, homemade food, share meals together, and create a welcoming space for residents. Food for the cafe will be donated by local businesses, supermarkets, and charities, including The Felix Project.
Vaida Filmanaviciute, a local resident and community chef at Jean's Cafe, is proud and privileged to share her culinary creations with the Cally community. She believes that breaking bread together builds bonds and creates a sense of community. The cafe encourages volunteer opportunities for individuals who wish to contribute as cafe hosts, assist with meal service, or support the collection and sorting of food deliveries.
All meals at Jean's Cafe are cooked from scratch, on the day, ensuring a fresh and flavourful dining experience. Vaida emphasises the importance of identifying good-to-use produce and regaining society's skill in this regard. The cafe operates on a pay-what-you-feel basis, making it accessible to all members of the community.
The Caledonian Ward's Cllrs, Sara Hyde, Una O'Halloran, and Paul Convery, have praised Jean's Cafe as a fantastic example of bringing people together and making a real difference. The cafe will be open every Friday from 1pm, with weekly cooking sessions from 11am, run by a local chef.
This news comes alongside recent developments in Caerphilly County Borough Council approving housing investment plans and Leeds City Council tackling drug and alcohol harm. However, the focus remains on the positive impact Jean's Cafe is having in the Cally community. Vaida Filmanaviciute hopes to bring a magical sense of community through shared meals to The Cally, and it seems that she is well on her way to achieving this goal.
- The newly opened Jean's Cafe on Caledonian Road, in the neighborhood of Islington, not only offers affordable, homemade food but also aims to create a welcoming space for residents, fostering a sense of community.
- As a part of its mission, Jean's Cafe invites volunteers to participate in various roles such as cafe hosts, meal service assistants, and food delivery support, further promoting community involvement.
- While recent news highlights housing investments and efforts to address drug and alcohol issues in other areas, the focus in the Cally community remains on the positive impact of Jean's Cafe, which is making a difference by providing a welcoming space for residents to gather, share meals, and build relationships.
