Met Police and Chef Levi Roots Cook Up Community Spirit in Lambeth
On Tuesday, 30 March, Met Police’s Central South Command teamed up with celebrity chef and entrepreneur Levi Roots for a heartwarming event at Ark Evelyn Grace Academy. Together, they packed and handed out 150 food parcels to local kids and their families, bringing a taste of hope to those hit hard by the pandemic.
Lockdown Woes Spark Community Cook-Along
The initiative was dreamt up by Lambeth schools officer PC Nigel Pearce. Witnessing the lockdown’s brutal toll, PC Pearce saw vulnerable families’ numbers soar—from 70 to 150 students at the school alone—many struggling with empty cupboards.
“Some families had nothing to eat, and were so grateful for support directing them to help,” Pearce revealed.
Inspired by community cook events elsewhere, Pearce wanted a meal families could make together—healthy, tasty, and uplifting. Enter Levi Roots, a Brixton local and role model who was quick to back the idea.
“I wanted someone with a real link to the community who’s beaten odds to succeed,” said PC Pearce. “Levi was perfect—an inspiring figure for the children.”
Levi Roots Brings Caribbean Flavour and Inspiration
Levi Roots was buzzing about joining the project.
“I was thrilled to take part in something that pulls the community together,” Levi said. “With so many struggling locally, I hope I’ve put a little music in their food!”
Early on 30 March, officers packed food parcels containing all the ingredients for Levi’s famous Caribbean spiced cottage pie, plus basics like pasta and rice. Tesco generously donated £2,000 in gift cards to support the event.
Throughout the day, families collected their parcels, complete with recipe cards and a Zoom link for the live cook-along.
Live Cook-Along and Words of Wisdom
At 5pm, Levi went live from the academy, guiding families through the recipe. He was joined by teachers and pupils, cooking alongside the community.
While the pies baked, Levi shared his journey of grit and determination, inspiring the kids to keep pushing despite tough challenges.
PC Pearce praised the teamwork behind the event’s success:
“We couldn’t have done it without everyone’s brilliant effort. It was a huge team job to bring this together.”
