Spotlight on National Lottery funded social enterprise, Cook for Good

Karen Mattison, Co-Founder and CEO:

Can you tell us more about the funding vision behind Cook for Good and what inspired you to start a community kitchen in Kings Cross?

Our vision was for a food-based, place-based social enterprise that was truly embedded within a community, so we could deliver deep and lasting impact. We were also guided by the conviction that we should work collaboratively with a community, not FOR a community. This approach has underpinned everything we have done, from consulting with the community about their needs before we began, to having a panel of community members who meet with us to discuss and plan developments, to putting their stories at the heart of our fundraising cookbook, Soup for Good. It runs through our comms and our approach that we and our community are on a journey together.

The support we had from the National Lottery at our set-up stage was critical; we were a new social enterprise with no track record, and so hard sell in terms of getting investment. The funding we received allowed us to take our first steps and strart to prove that our model can work.

Emma Stewart, Development Director:

How do you define success at Cook for Good? Are there any specific goals or milestones (past or present) you aim to achieve within the community?

The dream would be to see a Cook for Good type of community food hub on every housing estate in the UK. A place for people to come together, get access to affordable food, seek advice and build connections. We have now developed a sustainable and impactful model on the Priory Green Estate and next year we are going to launch our Cook for Change programme to test how we could replicate our model with other social entrepreneurs looking to drive social change through food and cooking. So that’s our first milestone but watch this space!

Cathy Halstead, Marketing Manager:

What unique role do initiatives like Cook for Good play in fostering community support and resilience?

It’s no exaggeration to say that we have helped turn neighbours into friends; as one of our Pantry members describes it: "Thank you very much for all the hard work that you do for the community. The good food, friendships and social meetings that everyone thrives on, socialising and eating meals together. You are all worth celebrating for your community work, bringing everyone together.”

Our Pantry acts a as a community hub as well as a source of surplus food, where neighbours meet chat and eat soup together. They also get wraparound support from visiting organisations with things like energy bills and housing, which is supporting their financial resilience. And we’re also empowering them to support each other, like our Cook for Health course which brings people with diabetes together, not just to learn to help manage their condition through food, but also to create a mutually supportive network (who have already started visiting each other's houses to cook together).

Cathy Halstead, Marketing Manager:

How does Cook for Good foster social connections and combat isolation, especially among vulnerable groups?

Again, the Pantry is crucial here as a place for local people to come and connect with each other. Friendships have been created here that are developing outside our walls; for example, one Pantry member has started organising trips for other members. We also host monthly community meals for around 60 residents who enjoy getting together and meeting new people while sharing a meal. And our men’s Grub Club is a shining example of using food and cooking to tackle social isolation; it’s for elder men, who are learning to cook together and becoming friends as a result. We recently loved seeing them all sitting in a group at a community meal.

Tom Kedge, Pantry Manager:

Why do you think initiatives like Cook for Good are especially important during the Christmas season?

Christmas is associated with being around friends and family, so it can feel isolating for those living alone or who are apart from loved ones. Maintaining a sense of community during this time ensures that people are not alone, feel connected to those in their community and have a support network.

It is also a period where finances can be stretched, so we can help alleviate that pressure by offering a subsidised food shop and the opportunity for financial support through our wrap around services. We are also able to support the community with additional Christmas donations from our corporate partners which can make all the difference to those facing challenging times.

Raphi Simmons, Operations and Programmes Director:

How does an elevated cost of living impact your work and the needs you see within the community?

As the cost of living rises, more people are turning to affordable or community-driven food initiatives, driving up demand and straining available resources. For instance, our food supplies from The Felix Project have decreased by 25% this past quarter, as they now need to support other new pantries in the area, further depleting what we can provide. We therefore need to find more suppliers.

Under financial strain families tend to turn to cheaper, less nutritious options, increasing long-term health risks like obesity and diabetes. This has prompted us to launch a health-focused programme aimed at empowering community members to prepare nutritious meals on a budget.

Beyond food, we also witness needs to address related issues, such as financial literacy, budgeting, or access to public benefits, as the cost of living impacts overall well-being. This is why we are expanding our wraparound care services.

Martha Ahmet, Community Manager:

Do you notice any seasonal trends in community participation or need and if so, how do you adapt your services to meet them?

Yes, we do. In the spring and summer, there are increasing outdoor activities that take place in the community. People look for outdoor activities like walking, participating in local events, and attending local festivals and summer fairs. More demand for activities for children and young people, especially during the school holidays. The elderly are more likely to want to join well-being activities and community events.

When the autumn and winter seasons start to come, there is a shift, with more demand for after-school clubs, extra educational programmes, and need for school uniforms and materials. There is a big rise in the need for financial support to help with the increase in utilities and food costs, and a rise in people going into debt, especially as we enter the festive season, triggering stress and impacting mental health. Unlike the summer months, the elderly tend to stay in their homes, and tend to be more isolated, which is why having places like our Pantry is crucial, where they can come in do a shop, have soup, keep warm and talk with the community.

We adapt our services by communicating regularly with our community members, to get feedback to ascertain and understand what the changing needs are. We collaborate and engage with local organisations and agencies to ensure that we can create a strong network that addresses the seasonal needs of the community, this could be through a referral or a service that we can bring into the Pantry, or a change to make within it. By being proactive and responding to changes in trends, we can get the community participating and effectively address the different needs throughout the year.

Simone Krieger, Resident Chef:

Are there any specific programs or events you organise during the holiday season to support families and individuals?

One of the most exciting community meals we serve is the Christmas double ‘extravaganza’! Every year we host two festive community meals, seating up to 120 members of the community for a delicious three course Christmas dinner. The food, as always, is crafted with love and attention to detail. The menu is never your bog-standard dried-up turkey and stuffing, instead we offer stunning modern dishes that give our community members a true restaurant-style experience. What makes this differ from every other monthly community meal is the atmosphere. Regardless of faith or tradition, everyone adopts a cheery holiday mood and tucks into a feast that nourishes the body and soul. Staff, volunteers and local residents come together to welcome the holiday season, and the love and support in the room is palpable.

Miriam Emanuel, Partnerships Manager:

How can individuals, businesses and local organisations get involved to support your mission?

Cook for Good is all about bringing businesses and local organisations together with local community members. We invite business partners into our community kitchen for impact-led team-building events where they prepare meals for community members – and, with 100% of profits reinvested in our community programs, the impact lasts. And through our weekly food pantry, we welcome partner organizations to connect with community members, ensuring that everyone is seen, supported, and valued.

Everyone can support Cook for Good via our new recipe book, Soup for Good, from which 100% of profits contribute to the delivery of our community projects, and by sharing our story and the events we create in our community kitchen.