Cybille Latour, winner of the Ab Harrewijn Prize, is tackling food poverty and social isolation in the Overvecht neighborhood of Utrecht through her initiative, Blik & Pot. Every other week, Latour cooks with local residents, demonstrating that healthy and affordable meals are achievable even on a tight budget.

The project aims to provide skills and companionship to those struggling to make ends meet and eat nutritiously. Latour believes that with the right knowledge, it’s possible to create nourishing meals from simple ingredients, drawing inspiration from her own mother’s resourcefulness.

The participants gather in the Johanneskerk, where they prepare a meal together. The menu varies, and on this particular day, they are making ‘paratha my way,’ an Indian dish consisting of flatbread, mashed potatoes, vegetables, and meat.

The social aspect of Blik & Pot is as important as the cooking itself. Participants enjoy the company, coffee, and conversations as they work together. While the project is hosted in a church, religious belief is not a requirement for participation. Newcomers are welcome, but Latour acknowledges that attracting them can be challenging.

The initiative addresses the challenges faced by residents who struggle with cooking at home due to various factors. Many participants rely on ready-made meals or community initiatives for their meals throughout the week.

Latour envisions expanding Blik & Pot to include the preparation of ‘prep meals’ for those who are unable to cook for themselves. With the 5,000 euros prize money she won, Latour hopes to further address food poverty in her community.