The Mazi Project is a non-profit that combats food insecurity among marginalized young people. In the last four years, it has offered transformative support to over 350 young people aged 16-25. This incubator was established by Melanie Vaxevanakis, an Athens native. It provides indispensable resilience-building support to care leavers, young asylum seekers and young people at risk of homelessness. Today the charity is struggling with a huge increase in demand for its services.
Since launch in 2021, The Mazi Project has provided more than 120,000 meals to at-risk young people. Along with its meal service, it operates an exciting education and events program. This is complimented by a four-week cooking course ending with a Life Skills qualification. This two-pronged approach combats immediate food insecurity while providing beneficiaries with important culinary skills.
Mary Gurdin, a 24-year-old University of West England student, vividly portrays the personal side of this project’s impact. Twice a month, she gets a meal kit—filled with fresh ingredients and a cookbook—from The Mazi Project. You’ve heard from Gurdin on how the opportunity has positively altered her life.
“Before the MAZI project, I wouldn’t buy food as I got very anxious going to shops. Now I’m cooking a meal every evening and I’ve cooked things I’d never considered eating,” said Gurdin.
The Mazi Project is just as important in helping young people as they navigate eating disorders. Gurdin was privy to her dietary metamorphosis. She said, “I’d been a vegan for nine years and never had lentils, now she eats lentils all the time! These types of statements understate the tremendous impact the program is having on the lives of people.
As successful as it is, The Mazi Project has 30 youth in its waiting list right now. This increasing demand makes the case for more funding clearer than ever to keep it running. Vaxevanakis spotlights just how indispensable community backing is. He calls on each of us to join together and make sure that healthy, nutritious food is within reach for every young person.
“There needs to be much more thoughtful and intention around planning in areas of deprivation,” Vaxevanakis stated. “There needs to be a real change and investment in trying to create a much fairer system for everyone.”
Food insecurity has dramatically increased. In reaction to the growing need, The Mazi Project is committed to ensuring that essential services are delivered to the people who need them most. The charity’s emphasis on prevention through education and outreach to the community speaks to its commitment to building resilience among at-risk youth.
