Voluntary, community, and social enterprise organisations in West Northamptonshire are invited to apply for funding to deliver the Grow, Cook, Eat programme. The initiative helps people learn how to grow food, cook healthy meals, and make better nutrition choices while promoting wellbeing and fostering stronger community connections.
West Northamptonshire Council has announced that £343,750 is available over three years for a single collaborative bid to support the continuation of the programme. Grow, Cook, Eat aims to address food and health inequalities, encourage healthier lifestyles, and strengthen communities across the area.
The programme focuses on building knowledge and practical skills to promote healthy eating. Residents receive support to learn how to cook simple, nutritious meals, grow their own food, and make healthier choices. Beyond nutrition, the initiative also improves mental wellbeing and encourages community engagement.
Since its launch in 2022, Grow, Cook, Eat has supported communities by sharing healthy eating, cooking, and growing skills, training residents to become food champions, fostering a network of these champions across West Northamptonshire, and managing small grants to support local groups.
The new funding will allow the programme to continue its established work while enabling additional developments to further strengthen its impact. Cllr Laura Couse, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health, emphasized that the programme empowers people to make and share healthier choices, tackles food inequalities, and builds stronger, more connected communities and families.
