Toolangi cookbook serves up hope and savings

Social Impact Program & Housing Manager, Anna Cirocco and Care Community Educator Carolina Albornoz prepare to sample the Corn Vegetable Loaf.

A new community initiative at Toolangi is serving up more than just meal inspiration – it is also dishing out hope, connection and practical solutions to rising living costs.

Launched last night, the Toolangi Community Mini Cookbook is the product of a grassroots collaboration between Marymead CatholicCare’s Social Impact Program and Care Community Education. With everything from Stuffed Pancakes to Corn Vegetable Loaf, the book is designed to support residents with affordable, healthy, and family-friendly recipes.

Social Impact Program & Housing Manager, Anna Cirocco, said the seed was first planted during a budgeting workshop held in conjunction with Care.

“People were really keen to talk about shopping and food,” she explained.

“That led to a healthy eating workshop, which was a great success. We tried out a couple of recipes and thought, why not create something people could take home?”

With contributions from local residents and additional recipes sourced from a member of the Country Women’s Association Canberra Branch, the cookbook dream became a reality.

“I’ve tested some of the recipes in my own kitchen, so I know they work,” Anna said with a smile.

“We wanted to make sure they were practical—easy to cook, with ingredients you can find locally and affordably.”

In addition to recipes such as Apple and Pear Crumble, Tuscan soup, and a delicious tuna salad, the book also includes bonus resources.

Care Community Educator Carolina Albornoz said she added a healthy eating guide, money-saving tips, and a weekly meal planner.

“I initially came in as a community educator,” Carolina explained.

“We saw how engaged people were in the workshops and realised that a cookbook would be something tangible—something the community could be proud of.”

“With the cost of living crisis, we know people are skipping meals,” Anna said.

“Some kids are relying on school meals. This book is one small way to show that you can cook a healthy, affordable meal. And I’d love to bring back the idea of sitting down together for a family dinner as well.”

Carolina said financial counsellors were seeing more and more families falling into debt just trying to get by.

“Even simple things—like finding ways to reduce grocery bills—can make a big difference,” she said.

“And beyond budgeting, healthy eating is vital. Relying on cheap processed food too often can lead to long-term health problems.”

Though the cookbook was initially created for Toolangi residents, both Anna and Carolina hope it can reach further.

“We’d love to see it keep right on growing,” Anna said.

“Maybe even a multicultural cookbook down the line, with more contributions from the community.”