October 28th 2023.
The GIANTS group provides support for migrant men living in London, and their latest project, Recipes of Life, is a cookbook filled with heartwarming stories. The collective book features 38 recipes from 22 migrant men coming from all over the world, including China, Colombia, Nigeria, and more. The project encapsulates the direct experience of the UK's hostile immigration system, including loneliness, exclusion and homelessness.
The project was developed over two years and was a form of group therapy for members of the GIANTS group. Each week, a member presented a dish and discussed the significance of food in their lives and cultures, fostering dialogue about the tough times they have faced. Arthur, a member of the group, said:
"Week after week, a different GIANT would come out of the kitchen with a feast they'd prepared, receiving applause and appreciation. We explained how food is a universal language, connecting people across cultures. We made connections every moment, sharing survival stories, talking about the tough times we faced. We shared stories of strengths, skills, identity, positivity, moving forward, and belonging, as well as the negative impact of hostile immigration policies, homelessness, and isolation. The project gave us an opportunity to talk in front of our brothers, instead of bottling it in. Sharing food and eating these meals together was a safe way to open up that bottle."
The collection was created alongside human rights charity Praxis and Tim Anderson, chef, writer, and MasterChef winner, who sat in on sessions with the men. The stories shared were truly moving, uplifting, and inspiring for both the men and Tim. He commented, "My mother always used to say that food is love. I think this is true – after all, cooking, feeding, and eating are acts of nurturing. In the case of GIANTS, cooking nurtures both new connections and old memories. The recipes and stories here are testament to the power of food as not just physical but also spiritual sustenance – and I have to say, they all sound really, really delicious!"
The featured dishes include classics such as Jerk Chicken and Jollof Rice, as well as innovative recipes like Alkaline Soup with nettles foraged in Hackney Marshes. One of the featured dishes was created by Vernal Bernard, a Jamaican man who has been living in the UK since 2002. His recipe for a Caribbean chicken soup is inspired by one his mum would make for him every Saturday.
Vernal still remembers the smell of the soup as it simmered away on a Saturday afternoon. He loves to watch people enjoy his food, and makes meals for his children to pass on his heritage. After coming to the UK in 2002, he has been fighting for his immigration heritage ever since. He says, "I always say that Praxis is my GP and GIANTS is my medicine."
You can get hold of Recipes of Life by donating £15 to Praxis, but they have also shared one of the featured dishes to give you a feel of what to expect. If you have a story to share, you can get in touch with the GIANTS group by emailing email.
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