DRIVING WIDER SOCIAL CHANGE THROUGH FOOD AND COOKING
How Cook for Change is already delivering
This year saw the launch of our new programme, Cook for Change, which aims to inspire and encourage social entrepreneurs to develop their own food and cooking based enterprises. And as our first cohort celebrate their graduation, they’re already putting what they’ve learned into practice.
Why is it needed?
Grant funding is shrinking, which means social organisations need to find innovative ways to generate sustainable incomes. We’ve been there and done that, creating a live example of how social enterprises can tackle challenges like food insecurity and health inequality. So we launched Cook for Change in March 2025, to help others learn from our model and develop their own sustainable solutions.
What did it involve?
In April, our 18 social entrepreneurs kicked things off with a three-day immersive bootcamp, looking under the bonnet of our model and those of Fat Macy’s and The Dusty Knuckle. We then offered six weeks of 1:1 and group mentoring sessions, supporting the cohort to craft new business plans and pitch them to a panel of experts at a June networking event.
Since then, they’ve taken part in masterclasses and 1:1 tailored business coaching, produced new business plans and had access to expert advice from partner organisations, including Deloitte, Google and Restaurant Associates, before celebrating their graduation together on 20 November.
What impact has it had?
The programme covered a lot of ground – and it’s making a massive difference. All our original cohort are developing new products and services, and half of them have already developed a corporate offer. They’ve also created their own network, to support and encourage each other. Take a look at these case studies from Cook with Kasper, Cooking Champions, Nourished Routes and No Fuss Meals for Busy Parents.
What’s next for Cook for Change?
Following the success of this pilot programme, we’re rolling Cook for Change out in 2026, with a new cohort of food-based social entrepreneurs and some exciting key partners (watch this space).
Applications will open in Spring 2026, and the programme will begin in early summer; if you would be interested in joining our new cohort, please register your interest below. We’re particularly keen to receive applications from people who would be able to offer place-based community support (for example, within a social housing estate).
Register your interest
