Part of our Grow Cook Eat Programme, ‘Come Cook With Us!’ supports community organisations to run cooking activities, where residents prepare and share meals together using local, seasonal produce available at markets and shops. Participants are encouraged to bring their own recipes and food stories to the sessions. Many of their recipes are captured in the Come Cook With Us! community recipe book, which reflects the culinary diversity of our borough.
Our priority is for all residents – particularly those most in need of support – to access healthy, culturally appropriate food and be able to cook nutritious meals on a budget.
Who has benefited and how?
In 2025, we launched two new initiatives to boost residents’ ability to continue using their cooking skills and confidence at home:
In 2025, 55 regular participants received cupboard essential packs to help them replicate recipes from their club or cook their favourites at home. These included healthy staples like pasta and flour, vegetable oil and herbs and spices to provide flavour and nutrition.
‘Thank you so much for taking your time and effort to arrange this shop for me. We truly appreciate your support during this time. Your help has really made a difference. Thank you for all you do for our community.’ – feedback from a resident attending Marks Gate Project Relief
We also launched a new initiative to provide 20 residents with air fryers. These compact, plug-in appliances function like a fan oven, using less energy and offering a solution to people with limited kitchen facilities.
“Thank you so much for the air fryer… It has really helped us prepare healthier meals and encouraged us to use much less oil when cooking… We have already started using some of the tips and recipes at home, and it has made a big difference in how we think about cooking and eating.”- feedback from a resident attending Creative Wellness Community Club.
Thanks to our community partners @The Source @Marks Gate Relief Project @Creative Wellness @Church Elm Hub AND @The Vibe @Hunter’s Hall Primary School for the passion and active collaboration to participate in this scheme.
Read more about our Kitchen Catalysts facilitator training programme
If you are a resident and wish to attend a cooking session, please check the calendar for dates and locations: Events from 5 January – 29 May – B&D Opportunities
If you are an organisation interested in offering cooking activities, email goodfood@lbbd.gov.uk to arrange a discussion.
