“My name is Casper Jongeling. In my daily life, I study Health Sciences. In addition, I fill my days with painting, sports, reading, connecting with people and of course cooking!’

How I started at GZG

‘I saw GZG on a voluntary work website in Rotterdam. I saw my passion for (vegan) cooking, healthy food and connecting with people all come together in this special initiative.

Initially, I only came by to eat; I had a busy job and had little time to spare. But after I quit my job, I immediately signed up to cook at GZG. I’ve been doing this for almost 2 months now. I also regularly help with collecting fruit and vegetables from the market. I really enjoy contributing to this initiative in these ways and hope to be active at GZG for a long time to come. In my own future at GZG I hope to remain actively involved for the time being and to be able to contribute to this community!

At GZG we show how important (and easy!) it is to eat healthily. It is not only good for preventing diseases, but also for your mental health and not least for the planet!’

“I have never eaten so tasty and diverse since I started eating vegan.”

Vegan food

‘The best thing about vegan food is that I got to know so many new products and flavors. I didn’t realize before that the “normal Dutch diet” consists of a very limited number of components (3-4 different kinds of animals, dairy, potatoes and a few vegetables), while there are hundreds of thousands of different plants to eat! I always say: I have never eaten so tasty and diverse since I started eating vegan.

And GZG has also played a major role in this. Since the first time I ate at GZG I have already discovered so many new flavors. I would therefore say to someone who has never been before: prepare yourself for all kinds of exciting and new combinations and flavors! And if this doesn’t convince you: the people at GZG are at least as exciting and interesting as the food!’

(Vegan) book tips

“I love to read. I find it difficult to recommend a book because I read so many, so be sure to ask me personally for recommendations! In light of GZG, I would recommend the following books:

• The Alchemist (Wonderful book about following your own path)
• The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read (and Your Children Will Be Glad That You Did)
• How Not To Die (Book with scientific basis for plant-based eating)