Our increasing strength strengthens communities

Food etc is dedicated to empowering people to make better food choices by teaching them how to cook healthy, affordable meals from scratch and has made significant progress over the past year.

Our courses of cookery workshops not only teach cooking skills, they also build participants’ confidence in managing tight budgets without compromising on nutrition.

A Growing Network of Volunteers

The most important factor in our success has been the expansion of our volunteer network. Over the past year, the number of people contributing their valuable time and skills has surged by over 50%. These volunteers, ranging from culinary experts to professionals in nutrition and health and passionate home cooks, have brought a wealth of knowledge and energy to our team. This has enabled us to deliver more workshops and extend our services to previously underserved areas.

Reaching More Families and Communities

We have almost doubled the number of schools we have worked with to bring families together to cook and eat. And almost 400 people attended our courses last year from a variety of communities and ages from pre-schoolers to people in their nineties!

Our team has been particularly successful in building a sense of community across Bedford and beyond and as a group of individuals. Feedback from participants highlights how the workshops bring people together, creating spaces where they can share experiences, learn from one another, and build lasting connections over the joy of cooking and eating together. While our volunteers enjoy working together, developing new courses and other initiatives and getting together at our regular volunteer events.

Expanded Course Offerings

Recognising the varied needs of the people who attend Food etc’s cookery workshops, we continue to broaden our range of courses. While the core focus remains on preparing healthy meals on a budget, new courses have been added to attract a range of ages, dietary needs and interests.

Recognition for Outstanding Impact

One of the highlights of 2024 for Food etc was receiving an award from the Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce for Bedford Business of the Year.

Looking Ahead

2024 was an amazing year for Food etc and the momentum shows no sign of slowing. With an expanded volunteer base, a growing network of community partners, and an increasingly diverse range of workshops, Food etc is set to make an even greater impact in the coming years.

Founder and Director Julie Clay said: “As Food etc continues to gain traction, we believe, it is a testament to the power of grassroots action to create meaningful change. By combining education, community building, and practical support, what we do is empowering individuals to lead healthier, more sustainable lives, one meal at a time.”