Mihaela joined Nourish Hub as a volunteer in February 2023. Working alongside the kitchen team, Mihaela has attended the Hub weekly, becoming an important part of the volunteer group, bringing a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm with her, having recently graduated with a BSc in Nutrition. 

“I came across Nourish Hub and UKHarvest while browsing on Eventbrite; it was a free cooking course that intrigued me. I joined the course because I really love food and cooking. I thought it would be a great opportunity to give back to the community while also improving my skills, learning new recipes, meeting new people, and enhancing my communication skills.” 

Her passion for cooking has always extended far beyond the nutritional value of food. We realised quickly that Mihaela’s love of food, cooking and sharing meals is a huge part of Mihaela’s life. She sees it as a source of connection, pleasure, culture, and celebration.  

“As a kitchen assistant at Nourish Hub, I had the (amazing) opportunity to work in the kitchen and cook delicious meals. During my time as a volunteer, I also learned a lot about food sustainability, ways to reduce food waste, and how to incorporate these practices into new recipes.” 

Mihaela also often supported with various activities and educational sessions in the Hub. She was involved in “Cook for Good” sessions using her expertise gained in her studies. As a previous nurse and fitness instructor she always had lots of valuable advice to provide, relating not to just physical health, but mental health too. 

“Volunteering at Nourish Hub boosted my confidence in the kitchen. I’m no longer afraid to experiment with new recipes, and I’ve even conquered my fear of baking (banana bread expert status achieved!). Learning plant-based recipes was a bonus; great for me and the planet. As an introvert, interacting with volunteers and visitors helped me improve my communication skills. The most rewarding part? Giving back to the community and feeling helpful. Plus, the knowledge of food sustainability and reducing food waste are invaluable assets for any nutritionist, myself included.” 

“We are extremely proud of Mihaela for all her achievements, combining her studies with her passions and finding time to dedicate to volunteering, to gain new skills and knowledge and to developing deep expertise. We are positive she will make a powerful impact on everyone she works with.” Andreea, Deputy Hub Manager. 

If you, or anyone you know is interested in volunteering at Nourish Hub, do get in touch: https://www.nourishhub.org.uk/volunteer/