What do you do outside of FEAST professionally?

Professional Development Lead Dietitian

How/why did you get involved in FEAST?

I set up FEAST as a once monthly meal at a hostel in 2015 when I started my first ever clinical dietitian role. This was my response to the hunger I was seeing on the streets, outside of my job. The overwhelming positive response from the residents and staff at the hostel, volunteers in the community, and supermarket donors highlighted the clear need. We registered as a charity in 2017 and we grew into a weekly programme in 3 centres for vulnerable people. I was chair at the time whilst keeping my full-time NHS dietitian role, and supported services in my spare time for the next 5 years.

Anything FEAST is doing that you are particularly passionate about?

We are currently conducting a piece of research in partnership with UCL, exploring the nutrition and diet of homeless people in London. This is a long-awaited and novel study, and so far we have recruited 150 people. I am proud to say that FEAST are pioneering in this field, and are campaigning for improved nutrition care for homeless people. Results will be shared as soon as they are available next year

Hobbies and interests outside of work?

I absolutely love feeding people! I’ve based my career, social life and activities all on food! I particularly love baking, cakes with surplus fruit. I love cycling, swimming, running and dancing!