By Aleksandra Bliszczyk
Love in Action will again launch a community cookbook in time for Christmas this year after 2020’s inaugural edition sold out several times over.
The community food relief organisation based in Wallan is asking members of the community to submit recipes this month.
All profits from the sale of the book will fund Love in Action’s Christmas hamper drive for people in need, as well as their first-ever free Christmas Day dinner event to be at Wallan football oval.
Love in Action volunteer Kellie Dwyer created the book last year and received 66 recipes, and is this year hoping for more.
“The more, the merrier,” Ms Dwyer said.
“This will be the new and improved version!”
This year’s focus will be budget-friendly recipes using pantry staples, after the Mitchell Shire struggled through seven snap lockdowns that forced many residents to lose incomes and businesses shut for extended periods.
While she understands people are weary from lockdowns and perhaps may not have cash to donate, or may not enjoy cooking as much as they did last year, she said the book would be a way to connect with community.
“It’s just a different fundraising idea that everyone can contribute to and it isn’t going to cost them anything,” Ms Dwyer said.
“I thought, it’s quite easy to get recipes off the internet, but what better way to raise funds for the community than asking the community to contribute, and I think it’s a little fun to open up a book and see your name in it.”
Recipes for all meals, as well as lunch box and meal preparation ideas are welcome, and this year they will also be printing photos so pictures of dishes are encouraged.
Recipes and photos can be submitted via email to Kellie at keldwyer18@hotmail.com.
The book will be available for purchase via Love in Action, and at Bendigo Bank branches, by December.
