£343,750 funding boost to help residents grow, cook and eat well

Residents across West Northamptonshire will benefit from funding to support healthier lifestyles and stronger communities through the Grow, Cook, Eat programme.

A total of £343,750 has been awarded for the programme from July 2026 to March 2028, building on its success in helping people learn how to grow food, cook healthy meals and make better choices about nutrition. 

The programme will be delivered through a partnership led by HOPE, alongside Community Health Works and Garden Organic, and will continue to support communities across both urban and rural areas of West Northamptonshire. 

Grow, Cook, Eat focuses on tackling food and health inequalities, while improving wellbeing and bringing people together. It offers practical, hands-on opportunities that help people gain confidence, develop new skills and connect with others in their community. 

The programme has already made a strong impact locally. More than 119 community champions have been trained, over 35 small grants have been distributed, and over 45 local organisations have been involved in delivering activities. 

Participants have reported increased confidence in cooking, a better understanding of healthy eating and improved ability to prepare meals on a budget. Many have also made positive changes such as cooking more from scratch and using more fresh ingredients. 

The programme also reaches a wide range of communities, including low-income families, people in supported housing and diverse groups, helping to reduce inequalities and improve long-term health outcomes. 

Cllr Laura Couse, Cabinet Member for Adult Care and Public Health at West Northamptonshire Council, said: “Grow, Cook, Eat is making a real difference by helping people build the skills, confidence and understanding they need to make healthier choices. Through the programme, residents are learning how to grow their own food, cook healthier meals and better understand the impact nutrition has on their health and wellbeing. 

“This programme is about much more than food. It brings people together, strengthens social connections and supports wellbeing within local communities. I’m pleased this funding has been secured so we can continue supporting residents across West Northamptonshire to build healthier, stronger and more connected communities.” 

The programme also links with wider council priorities, including work through family hubs, community initiatives and routes into employment helping to create healthier and more resilient communities.