Cook Together, Eat Together

We’ve been serving up a treat with Cook Together, Eat Together. This is one of our most popular and successful community projects. Initially made possible thanks to National Lottery funding, we have been running this thriving project across Coventry for more than a decade.

A key part of our Cook Together, Eat Together project is our ‘Cooking Clubs’ which we run in a variety of venues across Coventry. At these clubs our passionate team of experts bring residents together to offer advice and guidance on cooking and eating. Each week residents get to cook four different courses, while at the same time receiving support from a dietician.

There are many strands to why this project is so important in the community.

Firstly, it helps to educate people on different foods, tackling health-related issues such as malnutrition. Cook Together, East Together also helps give people independence who may not feel confident with cooking.

This project also brings people together, with participants sitting and eating together, evoking new and long-lasting friendships.

This project is uniquely includes bespoke 1:1 support for those who need tailored advice, either within their homes or at a community venue.

Throughout the years we’ve been able to offer cook and eat courses for families, housing associations, schools, family hubs, and the Coventry Food Network. We’ve also supported local residents who are aged 55 and over and may be isolated, in addition to people with obesity, diabetes, or other health problems We regularly work in partnership with local NHS Trusts and their dietician teams – and look forward to continuing this essential, much needed and life shaping project for years to come.

Fiona’s Story

“I came to Cook Together, Eat Together to learn more about healthy eating. I enjoyed both the cooking and eating of foods that I do not normally eat. I found some chopping difficult, but people were happy to help me. The course has made me realise that healthy options are tasty. Moving forward I will try to eat more fruit and vegetables and reduce salt in my meals. I found the staff from Groundwork to be supportive and helpful.”

David’s Story

“I found out about Cook Together, Eat Together via a friend who had enjoyed the free cooking clubs. The recipes were marvellous and got me trying things I would not normally cook as I live alone. I was not planning to try to make any of the recipes at home until Luke told me I could freeze certain ones. I have met with some friends from the group and we talk to each other about what we are cooking and eating.”

Maggie’s Story

“For me, joining Cook Together, Eat Together was about making new friends and getting me out of the house. I looked forward to each week and trying new food. The staff from Groundwork were attentive and always had our best interests at heart. It was an added benefit to have a dietitian at each session as she could help answer any questions about diet of health. I have recommended the cooking clubs to my friends”

If you’d like some recipe ideas or more information, please follow our Facebook page.

You may also want to find out about how the project could support your community.

Email us on cookandeatwell@groundwork.org.uk