Climatarian Kitchen regularly welcomes volunteers and friends to get involved in many capacities. Last month, Climatarian Kitchen organised a food photoshoot for their upcoming cookbook and catering events. Volunteer and freelance editor NJ Catchpole shares their experience volunteering at the photoshoot in this special guest blog.

Arriving rather late at Benchmark Kitchens in Kidlington on Friday 21 February, I walked straight into the middle of a bustling scene. Six or seven fellow volunteers were busy plating food, while the photographer, Hailey Larson, was arranging dishes and adjusting lights. I was impressed and a little intimidated by the artistry already on display, but excited to get stuck in.

The photos will be used to promote Climatarian Kitchen’s work at the upcoming Waterperry Opera Festival. Given the prestige of the event, it was essential for us to show that premium meals could be made from surplus food. Presentation was everything, and we had abundant beautiful ingredients to choose from. 

All food for the photoshoot came from Oxford Food Hub, the incredible partners of Climatarian Kitchen who gather surplus food from all over Oxfordshire to reduce food waste.

Half a dozen tempting appetizers had already been assembled: spiced orzo salad, fresh arancini, and dips with a rainbow of crudités. I was just in time to don an apron and start creating a plant-based grazing plate. My dish included roasted peppers, fresh cherry tomatoes, and a scattering of pistachios. Meanwhile, my neighbours worked with medleys of berries and crisp salad vegetables, a selection of cheeses, and choice cold meats. 

To round off, we dusted some pretty desserts with icing sugar and garnished them with edible flowers. As the last few photos were snapped, it was time to pack up. We’d spent a fun morning meeting friends and learning new skills, and we were all ready for a break. There was only one job left: sitting down for a picnic and the all-important taste test! 

If you’d like to get involved as a volunteer for Climatarian Kitchen or any of our projects, please don’t hesitate to drop us a line.

I’d like to volunteer!