Food is culture. It carries stories, identity, memories — and when served in public, it becomes a powerful tool for visibility and inclusion. In Greater Manchester, Dynamic Support of Greater Manchester is bringing African heritage to the forefront of community life through its vibrant food stalls and cultural catering at events.
This is not just about selling food — it’s about celebrating identity, creating visibility for BME women, and opening doors to conversations that matter.
Celebrating Culture Through African Cuisine
African Food as Storytelling
From suya kebabs to jollof rice, each dish carries generations of tradition. At Dynamic Support’s stalls, food is more than a transaction — it’s a bridge between cultures.
Women often explain recipes to visitors, sharing memories of how their grandmothers prepared the same dishes in Lagos, Accra, or Dakar. This exchange turns a simple bite into a learning moment.
Colour, Flavour, and Conversation
The stalls are visually stunning — bright African textiles, traditional drums in the background, and hand-written menus that include both English and native names of the dishes.
This presence challenges outdated assumptions about African culture being “exotic” or “foreign.” Instead, it becomes part of the local landscape — welcoming, joyful, and inclusive.
Taking Heritage to New Spaces
Farmers Markets and Country Fairs
Traditionally, BME participation in such events has been low. But Dynamic Support is breaking that pattern by actively involving BME women in stalls at:
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Local farmers markets
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Craft and food festivals
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Heritage weekends and city council fairs
At these events, women get to present not just food — but their culture, talent, and stories — in spaces where they are often underrepresented.
Impact Beyond the Stall
Every event is an opportunity to change perception. Whether it’s a local mayor trying suya for the first time or a schoolchild learning how fufu is made, these interactions promote:
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Cross-cultural dialogue
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Appreciation of African culinary history
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A more inclusive sense of community identity
Mental Health and Social Visibility
Confidence Through Public Interaction
Many women who join this program begin with hesitation. But after just one or two events, they find themselves answering questions, managing sales, and owning the spotlight. This boost in self-worth is critical to mental well-being.
They don’t just serve food. They stand proudly in public, representing their culture — and themselves.
Escaping Isolation
Preparing for events, traveling together, and engaging with customers offers social interaction that many immigrant or refugee women lack in their daily lives. Each outing becomes a healing ritual, a space to be seen and celebrated.
Community Impact Snapshot (2022–2024)
What the Numbers Show
Below is a breakdown of the impact made through this cultural catering initiative:
| Event Type | Number of Events | People Reached | BME Women Participated |
|---|---|---|---|
| Farmers Markets | 32 | 12,000+ | 65 |
| Heritage and Food Festivals | 14 | 8,500+ | 40 |
| School & Council Collaborations | 10 | 4,000+ | 30 |
| Total Unique Engagements | 56 | 24,500+ | 90 |
Testimonials from the Community
“I’ve lived in Greater Manchester for 25 years and this was my first time trying African barbecue. The women told us stories behind the food — I’ll never forget it.”
— Local Resident at Stockport Market
“When my daughter saw women that looked like us at the event, proudly wearing their clothes and cooking, she said: ‘I want to be like them.’ That moment changed everything for me.”
— BME Parent at Country Fair
Culture belongs in the open. By taking African food — and the stories behind it — into public spaces, Dynamic Support of Greater Manchester is not only celebrating heritage but challenging stereotypes, building connections, and uplifting BME women through visibility.
