Australian chefs and food bloggers support Oxfam’s 2011 Stop Hunger Appeal with a special cookbook

Acclaimed Australian chefs and food bloggers have donated recipes to a special edition Oxfam cookbook to encourage Australians to get behind the international aid agency’s new ‘Stop Hunger’ appeal.

With one in seven people in the world going hungry each day, the Oxfam Stop Hunger appeal highlights the urgency to donate to ensure people in poor countries have enough to eat.

Supporters of the appeal can access a variety of recipes from high profile chefs including Neil Perry (Rockpool Bar & Grill, Spice Temple), Matt Kemp (Balzac), Glenn Thompson (Zest), Brendon Barker (Embassy XO), Ben Shewry (Attica) and Peter Sheppard (Caveau). 

The theme of the cookbook is pineapples, to raise awareness about the work that Oxfam Australia is doing in Mozambique, where they are using drought-resistant pineapple seeds to help communities grow food that can withstand increasingly long dry seasons. 

Head chef of the prestigious Sydney restaurant Balzac Matt Kemp contributed a coconut foam with chilli roast pineapple recipe to the Oxfam cookbook. “I am delighted to be able to assist the fantastic efforts of Oxfam Australia by contributing a pineapple recipe towards the online recipe book which is part of their ‘Stop Hunger’ appeal,” Mr Kemp said.

As a chef I am constantly aware of how much can be done with food and the importance of using every part of the produce so I feel extremely privileged to be able to provide a recipe and help communities living in poverty grow and prepare good food for their families.”

As well as food lovers, food bloggers have also contributed to the cookbook including Kathryn Elliott (Limes & Lycopene), Emma Evangelista (The Cake mistress), Erin Wright (The Food Mentalist), Manon Dallee (Food Jobs), Barbara Harris (Winos and Foodies), Chanel Gellin (Cats love cooking), Joe Damrongphiwat (My Delicious Blog) and Ruth Bruten (Gourmet Girl).

“Here in Australia we are blessed with choice about what we can grow and what foods we can eat. We have modern amenities that allow us to refrigerate and preserve with ease,” Ms Bruten said. “Other communities are not so lucky and I was so happy to be a part of a campaign that is fostering viable solutions to them through this program.”

Oxfam Australia Executive Director Andrew Hewett welcomed the support from the Australian food community and said he hoped other Australians would get behind the Stop Hunger Appeal.

“We urge Australians to support Oxfam’s Stop Hunger appeal this year. With the increase of natural disasters happening around the world and food prices rising, the public’s financial support is even more vital than ever,” Mr Hewett said.

People in Mozambique have been faced with a 30 per cent increase in costs for food essentials such as rice, fish and wheat rose, and the after effects of a prolonged drought which has seen many communities suffering from extreme hunger and malnutrition. Almost half of children aged under five in Mozambique are affected by malnutrition

Pineapples are rich in vitamins B1, B2, B6 and C and can help combat malnutrition. By encouraging growing pineapples, Oxfam is helping children to eat a healthy balanced diet, and helping local farmers generate an income so that they can provide for their families.

Souce: www.oxfam.org.au