My name is Katie, and I have a huge passion for good food and cooking. I attended Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh, and received a BSc(Hons) in Public Health Nutrition in 2007. For 6 and a half years, I worked as a full-time sessional worker for a variety of partner organisations, mainly Fife Community Food Project. I assisted in the development of a “train the trainer” course in cooking with community groups, and developed a variety of resources, such as games, recipe cards and fact-sheets to accompany my courses. I currently work full time as a Coordinator for an anti-poverty project in Dunfermline. I work closely with charities and local authority, to help those in need access support services that are right for them.
Previously, I have worked in the NHS and the retail sector, which has given me a love for helping people. I am a self-taught cook (with a little help from my mum!), and I love to try out new recipes and techniques.
Since July 2012, I have been volunteering with the Dunfermline Foodbank. I have been working for about 1 day a week to help with general administration, and helping in the Dunfermline Centre. I have been part of the Management Committee for about a year, which ensures the smooth running of the Dunfermline Centre. I also help with clients when we are open to the public, listening to them and signposting them to other organisations who could help. This has given me a real understanding of some the major issues our community faces with food poverty. It has also shown me that food poverty affects everyone, and I have been able to help my participants to achieve new skills that help them with their own food poverty issues.
In my spare time, I love to spend time with my family. I enjoy a good bit of knitting, crafting and photography, and love to get involved in local art and community events.