MasterChef finalist teams up with Foodbank to launch new range of recipe cards

Morwell community members enjoyed an extra special addition to Foodbank Victoria’s mobile market on Friday, 6 December – a cooking demonstration by MasterChef finalist, Simon Toohey.

Donning a purple apron, Simon braved the windy weather to help Foodbank Victoria launch a brand new range of recipe cards that promote simple, low-cost and healthy eating.

Held monthly in Morwell, the pop-up market provides free, nutritious and fresh produce to clients of local charities. The recipe cards aim to encourage market attendees to create nutritious meals from the fruit and vegetables that are regularly available.

Simon, who is an advocate for waste-free and sustainable eating, helped Foodbank Victoria develop some of the recipes.

“Foodbank’s model of rescuing edible produce and redistributing it to those in need strongly aligns with my ambition of creating a sustainable future and I am just thrilled to be working with Foodbank to help get people excited about fresh produce,” said Simon Toohey.

Simon’s recipe for ‘Cabbage Savoury Pancakes’ is just one of the delicious offerings included in the range – which proved to be a crowd pleaser on the day.

“These are delicious! I’m going to try them with a hint of garlic,” said a Market attendee.

Working with several charity partners in Morwell including, Enjoy Church, Theodora’s Cheerful Givers, Morwell Neighbourhood House, the Salvation Army and The Gathering Place, the market can assist up to 300 families in the community. And while providing food is vital, promoting healthy eating is just as important.

“Through these new recipe cards, we are helping Victorians better understand nutrition and encouraging them to cook with vegetables they might not be too familiar with. We also understand families are busy, and the recipes offer quick and healthy meal options for those with demanding schedules,” said Dave McNamara, Foodbank Victoria CEO.

We cannot thank Simon enough for his ongoing support of the work that we do.