Easter on a budget – families turn to slow cooking as cost-of-living bites

Days out may not be an option, leaving parents searching for creative, budget-friendly ways to make the holidays fun and memorable.

Despite the challenges, families are turning to more cost-effective cooking methods—63% now regularly use slow cookers or air fryers to save on energy bills. A new cookbook by charity, Home-Start who support vulnerable families and gas distributor, Cadent aims to support these families by providing easy, nutritious, and affordable meal ideas.

Mum Fahima has used the cookbook to bond with her nine-year-old daughter, Layan, and plans to use it as a way to spend quality time with her over the holidays, without needing to spend money on expensive days out.

Fahima said: “Before I got the cookbook, I hadn’t really been adventurous with my slow cooker, but I’ve already made curries, noodles and stews in it. For my daughter, it’s been a revelation. There aren’t many things that take her away from Roblox, but she has found a new passion for cooking!

“Now, dinner is a really special time for the both of us. Layan gets really excited about what we’re going to cook next, which helps me promote a healthy diet. What’s more important for me, however, is that it’s helped create another passion for my daughter that doesn’t involve a screen. I never thought cooking would keep my daughter away from her games, but it has - she has even asked me to start looking for nearby cooking classes!”

Slow cookers are a cost-effective way to prepare meals, using significantly less energy than traditional cooking methods, while also helping families stay warm and well-fed. The recipes showcase a variety of simple and delicious dishes that provide families with affordable, nourishing meal ideas while reducing energy costs.

A recent survey revealed the stark reality of the cost-of-living crisis:

• 48% of UK parents have skipped a meal to ensure their children are fed, with 32% doing so multiple times.
• 56% of parents have changed how their family eats due to rising food costs.
• 26% have had to choose between cooking a meal or heating their home.
• Young parents (aged 16-24) are hit hardest, with almost 73% skipping meals for their children

In 2023, Home-Start began a new partnership with Cadent to become a Centre for Warmth. The charity, which supports struggling families now runs special groups that provide a safe space for local families, where it provides slow cookers, carbon monoxide alarms, gas safety information, advice and support.

Phil Burrows, Head of Customer Vulnerability at Cadent, said: “The results from this national survey highlight the daily challenges families are facing up and down the country.

Our Centres for Warmth, which are located across our network, support people who live in vulnerable situations, keeping them warm, safe and connected and our partnership with Home-Start is a powerful extension to this programme. The new recipe book offers support to families feeling the squeeze, by creating family friendly, easy to prepare meals for slow cookers and we are proud to support Home-Start in this fantastic initiative as we continue to support those facing fuel poverty.”

The cookbook costs just £6 and can be purchased at https://www.home-start.org.uk/shop/cookbook