Community kitchen Mensa Mensa nominated for Omarmprijs

Stichting Public Food has been nominated for the Omarmprijs for its work making healthy, affordable meals accessible in Amsterdam.

The annual prize is awarded in October to initiatives that work to reduce poverty and inequality across the city.

Shared cooking sessions in Zuidoost

The foundation operates Mensa Mensa, a social neighbourhood restaurant that hosts community meal preparation sessions alongside dining. At Brasapark in Zuidoost, local residents gather weekly to cook together.

During the three-hour sessions, participants make three healthy meals for 10 euros, according to Latiefa El-Sebaey of Mensa Mensa. The cooking focuses on whole grains, vegetables, and proteins, while also serving as a social gathering where neighbours discuss food cultures and meet each other.

Combating isolation with affordable meals

Residents say the low prices make a significant difference to daily life. Meals at the restaurant cost 5 euros, providing an alternative to cheap instant noodles for those on tight budgets.

Neighbourhood participant Luna, who lives in Heesterveld, noted that the initiative also helps address loneliness. Without affordable social dining spaces, many people simply stay at home because commercial restaurants are out of reach financially.

Source: AT5