Roots Network host ‘Food Do You Think You Are’ event

Colleagues and tenants came together to chat about their different cultures and learn more about each other. Here Customer Voice Officer, Natalie, shares why the cultural event was a success and an insight into some of the stories of experiencing different culture through food shared by tenants.

Roots Network

“RWP housing manager Kulwant joined our Food Do You Think You Are’ event virtually and shared a bit of background about The Roots Network. He told us a little about his heritage and said he really enjoys a lentil curry with chapatis.

We had a range of food on offer including trifle and stroopwafels, vegemite sandwiches and vol au vents, chicken Masala and a cauliflower curry with chapatis, haggis, cucumber sandwiches and parkin, sausage rolls, and cream scones.

Sharing stories

“Carlena told us that her Dad was from Jamaica, so her family enjoyed a lot of Caribbean food like Jerk chicken and rice and peas (often cooked by her Mum, who grew up in Leeds).

Fiona, Alan, and Carl all enjoy a curry, and Andrew told us about how he loves Chinese food. He used to help out at a local takeaway when he was younger.

John told us of his travels in France and all the tasty foods he sampled. But the best meal of all for John, was the full English breakfast on the ferry home! Sandra remembers moving from Lancashire to Leeds when she was a child. Also, before she made a trip across the Pennines, she’d never seen or sampled a kebab!

Root Network artwork

Tenants at the event recreated the Roots Network logo using their own handprints and some smaller stamps too. Sandra said she would like to learn more about black history and do some role play based activities in future sessions.”