This year we are partnering with Cook for Good to help fund their programme, Cook for Change and we’re on the lookout for residents to join the next cohort.
Cook for Good are a local charity to our King’s Cross office who ran a pilot for Cook for Change last year which our resident’s daughter Helen participated in. We’re now looking for more residents who might be good candidates to take part.
Cook for Change is a programme designed to drive wider social change through food and cooking. Through a skills bootcamp they help 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.
The 2025 cohort made the most of every opportunity the programme offered. From visiting other social enterprises and presenting at a pitch showcase, to taking part in one-to-one coaching and expert led masterclasses, they immersed themselves fully and the impact has been remarkable.
What last year’s participants achieved
- 100% created business plans - with several building theirs entirely from scratch.
- 70% developed a new product or service, and 40% have already begun piloting them with new clients or markets.
- 30% are already seeing an increase in revenue compared with pre‑programme levels.
- 60% have recruited new staff, creating local jobs and strengthening their ventures.
- 70% have formed new strategic or delivery partnerships.
- 30% are now delivering services from new or expanded community venues within housing associations.
- 50% have increased the number of beneficiaries they can support.
- 100% say they benefitted hugely from working alongside other founders, partner organisations and each other.
These outcomes show just how transformative Cook for Change can be for organisations looking to grow, innovate and deepen their community impact.
How to apply
If you think you are someone who could be a good fit please encourage them to apply – deadline for applications is this Friday 20 March.
You can find more information and the application form here: Cook for Change, a new programme for food-based community leaders.
