Prevention case study - Healthy eating on a Caribbean diet
Prevention Case Study
Solidarity Lunch – Healthy Eating on a Caribbean Diet
Project Summary
The Caribbean Solidarity Lunch project, held on 16 June 2025 at the Roehampton Family Hub, brought residents together to explore healthy eating through the lens of culturally familiar Caribbean cuisine.
Designed to celebrate culture while promoting healthier habits, the event combined a vegetarian community meal, a live cooking demonstration and an interactive Q&A session. The initiative was supported by the Caribbean Healthy Eating Guide, a resource co‑produced with Roehampton residents to ensure authenticity, accessibility and cultural relevance.
The lunch created a warm, community‑centred environment where residents could learn practical skills, share experiences and build confidence in preparing nutritious meals at home.
Key Activities
Live cooking demonstration
A chef showcased healthier versions of traditional Caribbean dishes, highlighting simple ingredient swaps, portion guidance and practical cooking techniques.
Community vegetarian lunch
Forty residents shared a sit‑down meal that celebrated cultural identity while modelling nutritious, affordable Caribbean‑inspired dishes.
Healthy Recipe Bags
Forty “Make‑at‑Home Healthy Recipe Bags” — including ingredients and Easy Read recipe cards — were distributed, enabling families to recreate the meal at home and extending the project’s reach to approximately 160 residents.
Volunteer development
Five volunteers supported the event, with three completing Level 2 Food Hygiene certification, strengthening local skills and community capacity.
Interactive Q&A session
Residents engaged with a chef and nutritionist on topics such as budgeting, portion control and healthy swaps, ensuring advice was practical and culturally grounded.
Impact and Outcomes
Immediate Feedback
Increased knowledge:
100% of attendees reported increased knowledge of healthy eating.
Cooking tips:
All participants gained budget‑friendly cooking tips and felt more confident trying new recipes.
Two‑Month Follow‑Up
Cooked the recipe:
100% had cooked the recipe they received at least once.
Making changes:
80% reported making changes to how they cook or prepare food.
Confident cooking:
All participants felt more confident cooking and preparing meals at home.
Healthy Eating Guide:
60% had used the Caribbean Healthy Eating Guide since the event.
Community Voice:
What our communities said
"The lunch is such a great thing for the community, and it brings people together. Even though I come with my mum we get to spend time doing something different together while also meeting new faces. Today had a warm, relaxed, friendly atmosphere and Natalie and the volunteers made everybody feel involved."