Habinteg’s slow cooker giveaway initiative saves tenants money and time | Tenant news

In November 2022, Habinteg set up a cost-of-living working group to provide information, advice and other support initiatives to help tenants navigate the cost of living increases.

Back in December, we gave away 100 slow cookers to tenants who applied for our giveaway. 

We caught up with some of you to find out how if the slow cooker has helped you save money, time or energy, and made meal times healthier and manageable.

Savings on ingredients & time

Mr and Mrs Chapman from Thetford said: “It’s great to just chuck stuff in there and leave it for there to be a meal ready at teatime, we love that side of it. It’s also useful for the cheaper cuts of meat.

“We did "dry" cook a bit of brisket beef and that was lovely. We didn't realise till looking for recipes that not everything has to be under liquid so that was useful to know. Many thanks for our little crock pot, we love it.”.

Suzanne said: “It’s making extra food, which I’ve frozen to have in a few days so I believe it’s saving time.”

Jean from London said: “Using the cooker saves time and washing up as the vegetables and meat are cooked in one pot. It does save time as you just put all the ingredients in the pot and forget about them till dinner time.”

Energy savings & manageable meals

John from Norwich said: “It’s much cheaper than using the oven at this time of year; have hardly used the oven recently.

It’s nice not having to worry about how much cooking is costing, and I can afford to spend more keeping warm.”

Maria and Chris from Strood said: “It is has come in handy so far. Made some stews, and Bolognese. Makes cooking easier and uses less electric. The small size is ideal. Rice puddings are good also.”

Jodie from Bradford, said: “We do use it all the time. We probably use it more than the oven now! I really appreciate it.”

Mona from Birmingham said: “Small changes make big differences. The slow cooker has helped me and my family a lot. I’ve been able to cook soups, one pot stews and just batch cook for two days sometimes. I’m very thankful and appreciate being able to use electric to cook instead of gas.”

Noeleen from Ilford said: “My epileptic adult daughter, who also has a learning disability and needs supervision, finds the slow cooker much, stews and curries. 

“We can leave it and get on with our day, which is also great. I'm sure it’s also less expensive than a conventional cooker. Thank you so very much.”

Gavin from Stockton-on-Tees said: “We are a large family of eight and we try to cook with fresh ingredients as much as possible. We find the slow cooker ideal for preparing meals in advance, especially on cold days.

“We are usually out quite a lot of the day, due to having horses, and can get really chilly during the winter days, so coming home to a prepared meal is ideal.

“Because it's cooked slowly, we find we can use cheaper cuts of meat, along with a host of veg, and we can come home to a hot meal, that warms us up, without using expensive electric costs. So, costs are saved, as well as coming in to a warm home.”

Emma from Polegate said: “It has altered our shopping bills as I can buy cheaper cuts of meat and slow cook which still makes a good quality difference. I usually prep things switch it on in the morning before leaving for work & by the time I get home I've got a lovely home cooked meal & don't have to actually cook as soon as I get home.

“I love cooking and being creative and hate food waste, this allows me to bulk cook, batch cook and still eat healthily.”

Other ways we’re supporting you

Our Neighbourhood teams are still supporting households through the fund, and our Rent Assist team is on hand to help anyone struggling to meet their rent payments or in rent arrears.

You’ll find more cost of living advice and information in our cost of living support hub.

If you received a slow cooker from Habinteg and want to share your recipes with other tenants, please email comms@habinteg.org.uk with the recipe and a photo of your delicious meal.

We have two reciepies to share with you from Alice Lelean and John Rance, why not give these a try!