What is Cook for Change?
We’re often asked whether we would consider opening other branches of Cook for Good. And we’ve concluded that supporting other community food projects to develop sustainable models, based on trading not just grants, is a better way to scale our impact. So in 2025, we launched Cook for Change, a new programme for food-based community leaders.
Want to be part of Cook for Change 2026?
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, thought a combination of in-person and online support.
It will kick off with a three-day bootcamp hosted by successful social enterprise founders. This will be followed by a series of masterclasses and coaching sessions. And the final stage will see the cohort working on their business plans, and making connections with our network of culinary partners and housing associations to help them bring them to life.
Who are we looking for?
For 2026, we’re seeking 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. These could be food pantries, community cafes, growing projects or hospitality employment schemes.
We’re particularly interested in candidates who are currently, or hope to be, supporting people living in social housing. The deadline to apply is Friday 20 March 2026; click below for more information and the application form.
Apply for 2026
