A charity in Arnold has reached out on social media to appeal for quick meal ideas to help those struggling with rising energy bills.
Arnold Foodbank, which is based on Mansfield Road, in Daybrook, said it had seen an increase in users who fear they can’t afford to cook after a huge spike in electricity and gas prices, with some bills more than doubling.
The charity said users are now asking for help to find meals that can be cooked quickly to help keep bills down.
A spokesman said: “Within the last week, we’ve had two families express how stressed they are about the increase in living costs.
“Whereas a few weeks ago they were putting £30 a week into their pre-pay meters, they’re now putting around £80. They’re worried they can’t afford the electricity to cook.”
The rise in requests prompted an appeal on social media and account followers were quick to respond
James Brookshaw posted: “We’ve been eating a lot of noodles. Buy them in bulk and you can do quite a bit with them!”
Naomi Prior advised: “Cook jacket potatoes in the microwave then just finish them off for 10 mins in the oven to crips up. Have with beans, cheese and salad for a cheap and balanced meal.”
Sarah Telling posted: Cous cous is a good one and only needs hot water and put with tuna is a nice tasty meal – especially as you can get many flavours of cous cous.”
Beth Buckley wrote: Slow cookers use a lot less energy than an oven and hob so if anyone has one of those they are definitely worth using. It’s so sad that this is the situation for people now.”
You can follow the Foodbank on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/arnoldfoodbank
For more details around how you can support Arnold Foodbank, visit their website: https://arnold.foodbank.org.uk
