What is Cook for Change?
Cook for Change is a fully funded, founder-led programme, designed to drive wider social change through food and cooking. After a hugely successful pilot last year, we’re rolling it out with a new cohort in 2026.
Why is it needed?
Grant funding is shrinking, which means social organisations need to find innovative ways to generate sustainable incomes. So, building on the success of our own social enterprise, we piloted Cook for Change in March 2025, to help others learn from our model.
Our 2026 programme builds on our pilot learnings, helping a new cohort sustain and deepen the impact they have in their communities through self-funding solutions.
What does it involve?
This year’s seven-month programme will provide our cohort with the knowledge, tools and connections they need to turn their ideas into reality.
It will kick off with a three-day bootcamp hosted by successful social enterprise founders, followed by a series of masterclasses and coaching sessions. The final stage will see the cohort making connections with our network of culinary partners and housing associations to support their new business plans.
You can see a full breakdown here.
Who WILL TAKE PART?
For 2026, we’ve sought applications from founders and directors of community food organisations, which are supporting people struggling with the cost of living, and looking to diversify their funding through a trading model.
We were particularly interested in candidates who are currently, or hope to be, supporting people living in social housing.
