Jack Monroe

Jack Monroe (born 17 March 1988) is a British food writer, journalist, and activist known for campaigning on poverty issues, particularly related to hunger relief, food poverty, and austerity in the UK. Monroe first gained prominence through their blog, "A Girl Called Jack", which was later renamed "Cooking on a Bootstrap". The blog, which started in 2012, focuses on creating recipes for people on a tight budget, particularly those on social security benefits or living below the poverty line.

Early Life

Jack Monroe was born in Southend-on-Sea, Essex, England. Monroe's early experiences of financial hardship and struggles with poverty played a significant role in shaping their future career and activism. After leaving school, Monroe joined the fire brigade, but later left due to health issues. The subsequent period of unemployment and the challenges of raising a child as a single parent on a limited income led Monroe to start blogging about their experiences and sharing low-cost recipes.

Career

Monroe's blog quickly gained a following, leading to opportunities in journalism and publishing. Monroe has written for various publications, including The Guardian and The Huffington Post, focusing on issues of poverty, austerity, and social justice. Monroe's first cookbook, A Girl Called Jack: 100 Delicious Budget Recipes, was published in 2014, followed by several more books aimed at budget cooking and eating well for less.

In addition to writing, Monroe has been involved in various campaigns and initiatives aimed at addressing food poverty and hunger in the UK. They have worked with charities, food banks, and political organizations to raise awareness and drive change.

Activism

Monroe's activism has focused on the impact of austerity policies on the poorest sections of society, particularly in relation to food poverty. Monroe has been a vocal critic of government policies that they argue exacerbate inequality and poverty. They have also campaigned for better support for low-income families and advocated for the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals, reflecting their own experiences as a non-binary person.

Personal Life

Jack Monroe has been open about their struggles with mental health, poverty, and their identity as a non-binary person, using their platform to advocate for others facing similar challenges. Monroe's personal experiences have deeply influenced their work and activism, driving their commitment to social justice and equality.

Bibliography

• A Girl Called Jack: 100 Delicious Budget Recipes (2014)
• A Year in 120 Recipes (2015)
• Cooking on a Bootstrap (2018)

See Also

• Food poverty in the United Kingdom
• Austerity in the United Kingdom
• LGBT rights in the United Kingdom