Edition 30
December 2024 - January 2025

 
 
 
 
 

Grateful Reflections

By Shola Oladipo, Food for Purpose CEO 

Hello FFP friends & family,

As we approach the end of another remarkable year, I want to take a moment to reflect on our journey together and extend my heartfelt gratitude to each of you. This year has been filled with growth, challenges, and countless achievements, and none of it would have been possible without your hard work, dedication, and passion.

The Christmas season is a time to celebrate, reflect, and connect with those who matter most. It is also a time to remember the profound message of hope, peace, and love that the birth of Jesus Christ brings to the world.

Together at FFP we have:

  • Increased our overall revenue compared with last year

  • Launched a series of free resources on our website

  • Increased the number of key partnerships and new clients

  • Increased our social media reach and implemented our new strategy

  • Supported news students and our first FFP intern

  • Progressed markedly with our  investment readiness journey with support from Sumerian and Growth Impact fund

  • Worked with local councils and NHS partners to deliver evaluation reports, develop culturally relevant tier two weight management pathways in Lambeth, conducted insight research in pregnant and new mums in Lewisham and people living with Diabetes across South East London with the integrated care board (ICB).

These accomplishments are a testament to the exceptional spirit and collaboration that define our organisation. I’m inspired every day by the energy and creativity the team bring to their work.

I am also thankful that I was able to successfully complete my thesis and gain my PhD, a feat which required my absence from FFP, leaving the team holding the fort which you did splendidly.

I am filled with gratitude to you our readers and supporters, your commitment and encouragement is unmatched and we wouldn’t be the same without you.

As we prepare for the year ahead, let us carry forward the momentum we’ve built and set our sights on even greater possibilities. 2025 holds tremendous promise, and I am confident we will continue to thrive together.

During this Christmas season, I encourage you to take time to reflect on the blessings in your life and embrace the joy that comes from faith, family, and community. May we remember the words of the angel in Luke 2:10-11: "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord."

On behalf of the entire leadership team, I wish you and your families a joyous Christmas and a New Year filled with happiness, health, and success. May the light of Christ guide and bless you in all that you do.

Warmest regards,

Dr Shola Oladipo

CEO Food for Purpose - FFP CIC

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

  • SEL ICS and FFP - Living with diabetes? What matters to you?

    • South East London Integrated Care System wants to ensure that everyone living with diabetes receives the care they need.

      The programme team has set up a partnership with Food for Purpose CIC and aims to work with local people living with diabetes to co-design an action plan for the identified concerns/recommendations and begin create and test solutions.

      Over the past seven months, Food for Purpose CIC has been working with local people to identify concerns and solutions regarding diabetes services in south east London boroughs. Engaging with over 120 individuals from Black African, Black Caribbean, Asian, Latin American, and Portuguese communities in Bromley, Greenwich, North Bexley, and Lambeth, they have held in-person solution workshops. These sessions provided diabetes education, an overview of the care patients’ journey, and a platform for participants to discuss challenges and suggest improvements.

      Follow the link below for the full details including:

      • Key Issues

      • Recommendations and Solutions

      • Next Steps

      https://letstalkhealthandcareselondon.org/diabetes

  • Diabetes Africa UK Forum 2024

    • Food for Purpose was invited to this event on Thursday 28th November 2024 - our CEO, Dr Shola, was one of the guest speakers.

National Days / Weeks / Month - December 2024

National Days / Weeks / Month - January 2025

 
 
 
 
 
 

Welcome back to HCI News – it’s great to have you with us again! As we head into the final stretch of the year, we’ve got some exciting updates to share. Our HCI programmes continue to thrive in Southwark, and we've been making fantastic strides with the wonderful congregants at RCCG Rock of Redemption. They’ve just completed week 3, and let me tell you, there was a really interesting discussion about the use of palm oil!

Meanwhile, the dedicated folks at Peckham Methodist Church are also making great progress as they approach week four. We’ve already started receiving some positive progress reports. One of the participants, Auntie Cece, shared this heartwarming update:

“Good news – my clothes are starting to fit again…"

How amazing is that?

We also had the pleasure of delivering a taster session with the incredibly welcoming Calvary Temple in Camberwell, led by the fantastic Reverend Sappleton. The church was super engaged, and we had such a wonderful time together. We’re really looking forward to working with them more in the near future!

And as we head into the new year, keep an eye out for even more exciting updates to our HCI programmes. There’s so much more to come! Stay tuned!

 
 
 
 
 
 

Are We Counting Calories or Missing the Point?

By Precious Oladipo
FFP Director & Physical Activity Lead

Let’s talk about calorie counting—the fitness world’s love-hate relationship. While tracking calories burned during exercise can feel motivating, it’s not the whole story. For starters, wearable fitness trackers often get it wrong. A systematic review of 65 studies found that while smartwatches are pretty good at counting steps and tracking heart rate, they’re highly inaccurate when it comes to measuring calories burned (energy expenditure). So, if your watch says you’ve burned off last night’s pizza, take it with a grain of salt—or maybe a slice of pepperoni.

Here’s another fact most people overlook - most of your daily calorie burn comes from your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR). That’s the energy your body needs to do the basics - like breathing, pumping blood, and keeping you alive while you’re at rest. For most of us, BMR makes up 60-70% of the calories we burn daily. So even if you’re chilling on the couch, your body is hard at work using energy.

Exercise, then, isn’t just about calorie burn - it’s about health. Regular movement improves mood, sleep, and heart health and even reduces anxiety and depression. Focusing solely on calories misses these incredible benefits and can lead to unhealthy obsessions or burnout.

Instead of obsessing over numbers, redefine your workout wins. Did you feel strong? Hit a new goal? Show up on a tough day? That’s real success. So next time you’re tempted to chase calorie counts, remember: your body is more than a math equation - it’s a powerhouse. And as we head into the festive season, when indulgence is often on the menu, remind yourself that it's okay to enjoy those treats. Set realistic and positive exercise goals for the new year, focusing on health and joy, not just the numbers. Your fitness journey isn’t about perfection - it’s about progress, balance, and feeling good in your skin, no matter what the scale says.

 
 
 
 
 
 

Festive Winter Warmers

As the festive season envelops us in its cozy embrace, there’s no better way to chase away the winter chill than with a steaming cup of seasonal cheer. This month, we're delighted to share two Christmas-inspired recipes that will fill your home with the comforting aromas of the holidays: Non-Alcoholic Mulled Wine and Non-Alcoholic Mulled Apple Cider.

These delightful beverages are perfect for everyone to enjoy, whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or savouring a quiet moment. Packed with festive spices like cinnamon, cloves, and star anise, they deliver all the warmth of traditional mulled drinks—without the alcohol. But don’t worry, for those who prefer a spirited version, these recipes are easily customisable to suit your preferences.

So grab your favourite mug, gather your ingredients, and let’s toast to a season filled with warmth, joy, and delicious memories!

Non-Alcoholic Mulled Wine

Alcohol-free mulled wine is a delightful twist on the classic, swapping out the alcohol for equally flavourful substitutes—often a blend of juices. There are two variations to suit your taste!

One option uses pomegranate and cranberry juice, a perfect choice for the whole family. The second features non-alcoholic red wine, offering a flavour that resembles the traditional version.

Both versions are bursting with festive flavours and warming spices, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a mug or two!

Serves 4

Ingredients

Choose Your Base:

  • Juice Option:

    • 2 cups pomegranate juice

    • 2 cups cranberry juice

    • 2 cups water

  • Alcohol-Free Red Wine Option:

    • 750ml non-alcoholic Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon

    • Brown sugar to taste

Shared Ingredients:

  • 8 cloves

  • 6 blackberries (optional)

  • 1 cinnamon stick

  • 3 star anise

  • 1 orange, sliced

Method

  1. Add all ingredients to a large saucepan and bring to a low boil on medium-high heat.

  2. Turn heat to low and steam for 20-30 minutes.

  3. Pour into a mug and enjoy!


    Pictures and recipe courtesy of:

    https://mindfulmocktail.com/non-alcoholic-mulled-wine-pomegranate/

Non-alcoholic Mulled Cider

Mulled apple cider is a quick and easy winter warmer, blending spiced apple flavours into a cosy, festive drink perfect for any occasion.

Serves 6

Ingredients

  • 250ml water

  • 1–2 tbsp golden granulated sugar (optional, for mulled cider only)

  • 1 orange (halved; one half studded with cloves, the other juiced)

  • 6 whole cloves

  • 1 cinnamon stick

  • 4 cardamom pods (lightly crushed)

  • A pinch of freshly grated nutmeg

  • 1 litre apple cider or apple juice

  • 1 apple (sliced for garnish)

Method

  1. Pour 2 cups of water into a large pan and place it over moderate heat.

  2. If desired, stir in a small amount of sugar, depending on your sweetness preference (no sugar is needed if using apple juice).

  3. Halve an orange and stud one half with cloves. Juice the other half and add both to the pan.

  4. Add the cinnamon stick, star anise, and any other spices, then bring the mixture to a boil. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.

  5. Pour in the apple cider or juice and warm the mixture gently until it’s hot but not simmering. Stir occasionally and keep it below boiling point.

  6. Remove from heat, add a few apple slices for garnish, and stir to combine.

  7. Ladle into mugs and enjoy warm!

    Pictures and recipe courtesy of:

    https://tinandthyme.uk/2016/12/mulled-cider/

 
 
 
 
 
 

Cloves

This month, we are celebrating cloves for the letter C!

Cloves are a fragrant spice made from the dried flowers of the clove tree, native to the Maluku Islands in Indonesia. They have been traded since ancient times, with a significant role in the spice trade, which brought them to various parts of the world, including the Caribbean.

Cloves are commonly used as a spice to bring a warm, sweet, and slightly bitter flavour and intense aroma. They are often included in traditional dishes, beverages, and remedies.

Nutritionally, cloves:

  • Are a source of potassium, beta-carotene, vitamin K, and eugenol (antioxidant)

  • Are used in traditional medicine as an essential oil. Evidence has shown that clove oil (which contains eugenol) can help reduce toothache pain and other types of pain, such as arthritis

Cloves can be used whole or ground and are available in many supermarkets and ethnic shops across the U.K.

 
 
 
 
 
 

Eating Well with Diabetes this Christmas

By Modupe Peters
FFP Director & Diabetes Lead

The holiday season is filled with many celebrations, family gatherings, and delicious foods. It can be a challenging time for anyone trying to manage their health, particularly for those living with diabetes. Fortunately, with some planning and wise choices, you can still enjoy Christmas without compromising your diabetes control.

Tips for a healthy, festive season

  • Fill up your plate with non-starchy vegetables. Examples include broccoli, Brussels sprouts, collard greens, green beans, etc. They are low in carbohydrates, high in fibre and help keep you full

  • Serve yourself, if possible; someone else might pile your plate high with food, so choosing your own options for starchy carbs, protein, and healthy fats will help you keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels on track

  • Watch out for hidden sugar in condiments such as cranberry sauce, mint sauce and prawn cocktail sauce – have smaller portions

  • Try to avoid sugary drinks such as malt, fruit punch, and other sugary fizzy drinks. These are high in sugar and can spike your blood glucose level

  • If you drink alcohol, don’t drink on an empty stomach as this increases your risk of hypoglycaemia (low blood glucose level) if you manage your diabetes with insulin or some medications

  • Staying active, taking a brisk walk after a meal, or participating in festive activities that keep you moving can help stabilise your blood glucose. Exercise helps improve insulin sensitivity which is particularly helpful after a large meal

Eating and drinking at Christmas time is part of the fun and with a bit of planning and mindful eating, you can enjoy the deliciousness of Christmas without sacrificing your health. Embrace balance, make thoughtful choices and have a wonderful Christmas!!!

 
 
 
 
 
 

The Great Christmas Dinner Debate: What's the Best on the Table?

As the festive season approaches, one thing unites us all: the joy (and debate) of the Christmas dinner! To settle the age-old question of what makes this meal iconic, I reached out to the culinary experts at Food for Purpose. They’ve shared their top three must-haves for a perfect spread—and the dish they believe has no business being on the table.

Roast potato army, stand up! It’s not a surprise that roast potatoes stole the spotlight as the ultimate Christmas dinner essential. Isn’t there something magical about the crispy exterior and fluffy centre?

Brussels sprouts sparked a little debate, but the team didn’t mind them still being on their plate. The consensus? The beauty of Christmas dinner is its versatility, but there’s always that one dish that just doesn’t feel quite right. What’s your pet peeve? Is it the divisive sprouts or something else entirely?

No matter what’s on your plate, we hope your holidays are filled with love, laughter, and good food. Merry Christmas from all of us! 🎄

 
 
 
 
 

Let's keep in touch

For general enquiries about Food for Purpose:

admin@foodforpurpose.org 

 

For Newsletter enquiries / content suggestions:

sandra.thomas@foodforpurpose.org