Healthy eating program for LGBTQ+ asylum seekers
Eating healthy might not be on top of one's mind while facing the everyday life struggles of an asylum seeker. However, what is on our plate and the community we create around the dining table can be a great anchor point to finding the strength and energy to deal with daily obstacles.
HarvestCare is very grateful to collaborate on this project in 2024-2025, led by Humanitas and Choices.
Eating for below 8.5 euros daily
Two cappuccinos, three cauliflowers, or 3 kg of apples is how much the asylum seeker could buy for their daily allowance provided by the Dutch government. Managing a healthy diet on this budget is not easy and requires careful planning, as well as nutritional knowledge, which will help one to make sure to get the best nutritional value for every euro spent.
Our aim in the project about healthy cooking on a low budget for queer asylum seekers currently living in temporary boat housing around Rotterdam is to equip them with the necessary budgeting skills and nutritional knowledge. We want to motivate them to eat food that nourishes their bodies without breaking the bank.
Daily Allowance on Clothing, Food and Extra in 2025. Source: Goverment of Netherlands
Low-budget, healthy and fun dishes
During bi-weekly classes, we gather to discuss topics such as:
dietary guidelines and using food as medicine
food and mental health connection
tips and tricks on saving money on food in Dutch supermarket
After the theoretical part, we move on to cooking class, where, in each session, we prepare different dishes with balanced nutritional value, using simple yet flavour ingredients. Participants often make suggestions on what they would like to try next.
We focus on using beans, which are a great source of cheap protein and seasonal ingredients which are less expensive.
Many cultures, many stories - one dinner table
The participants represent a cultural blend of unique cuisines, traditions, preferences, and journies. Everyone carries a personal journey, often one filled with challenges and traumas. Being together in a kitchen builds a sense of trust and community, allowing participants to not only open up and share their struggles but also feel light and joyful for a couple of hours. Our host location creates a beautiful and welcoming environment where everyone can feel at home. Feeling so needed while being far away from home, which often doesn’t really feel like home.
Cooking together makes us simply human again, no matter the gender, sexual identity or preferences.
