How we’ve helped: Cooking Champions

For families living in temporary or emergency accommodation, even the simplest things – like cooking a meal together – can be a challenge. Many do not have access to a proper kitchen or the tools to prepare healthy food, and day-to-day life is dominated by uncertainty and limited resources.

Cooking Champions is changing that. The North London charity provides food support, education, and training for economically disadvantaged communities, running community lunches, food parcels, and cooking lessons. After 3 years of supporting local people, the organisation recently opened its first dedicated community kitchen in Enfield, giving vulnerable families a safe space to cook, eat, learn, and connect.

How our funding helped

Our grant supported Cooking Champions to provide a weekly evening meal for families in temporary and emergency accommodation for 8 weeks. These sessions combined cooking classes with family activities and computer stations for children to complete homework. The funding specifically covered the cost of the kitchen rent, making it possible for families without cooking facilities to take part.

Learning through cooking

Led by expert teachers, families practised healthy meals together and explored different cuisines. The sessions were hands-on and participatory, giving parents and children alike the chance to develop skills while spending quality time together. Beyond cooking, families had the opportunity to meet other local families, building friendships and connections that extend beyond the kitchen.

Impact on wellbeing

For many participants, the project created a safe space to relax, have fun, and focus on wellbeing. Cooking together gave families a sense of normalcy and routine, reduced stress, and helped parents feel more confident providing healthy meals for their children. Children also benefited from dedicated time to complete homework is a safe, supportive environment.

We are proud to support Cooking Champions and their work to bring families together through food, learning, and community. Thanks to this grant, families had the chance to share meals, make memories, and gain skills that will last long after the kitchen lights are switched off.

Help make more experiences like this possible. Donate today.