News “I learned to cook a meal from scratch for the first time” – council project helps to address food insecurity in East Devon

A project designed to combat food insecurity among low-income households in East Devon has supported 50 local people, helping them build confidence and skills to become healthy, self-assured cooks.

Following the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent cost of living crisis, food insecurity has risen across the UK. According to the Devon Food Partnership, in Devon alone the number of people having difficulty accessing healthy, affordable and sustainable food options increased from 17% in spring 2021 to 29% in autumn 2022, with 16% of households experiencing significant disruptions to their eating patterns.

East Devon District Council stepped in with funding from the government’s Contain Outbreak Management Fund (COMF), partnering with Axminster-based charity Project Food to target vulnerable people who would most benefit from practical, localised help.

Project Food runs cooking demonstrations, hands-on sessions, one-to-one support and online classes for a range of different groups and individuals. The free support helps local people develop the skills, confidence and motivation to cook nutritious meals that match budgets and improve lifestyles.

The council-backed project delivered:

• Hands-on cooking sessions – including group workshops in Sidmouth and Cranbrook, as well as one-to-one support in Honiton.
• Free recipe boxes – some of which were part funded by Sidmouth Foodbank, containing ingredients and recipes for families to recreate the meals at home, ensuring the learning extended beyond the sessions.
• Community engagement – working closely with schools, food banks and mental health services, Project Food reached 19 adults and 31 children, offering practical support.

Food insecurity is a complex issue that goes beyond hunger. For many East Devon families, rising food prices, economic pressures and the effects of the pandemic have made it harder than ever to provide balanced meals. This is particularly challenging for those with mental health issues or who care for children with support needs, including autism or ADHD.

While immediate outcomes include increased confidence and practical cooking skills among participants, the long-term benefits, such as improved dietary habits and reduced reliance on processed foods, are expected to emerge over time. “I didn’t have the knowledge or imagination when it comes to cooking,” said a parent juggling home-schooling and caring for children with additional needs. “But [the help from Project Food] has given me lots of ideas.”

Another mother, from Sidmouth, said: “I’m going to make these again [quesadillas]. They’re so quick and more exciting than a cheese toastie.” And a young mother on a low income, from Cranbrook, shared: “I cooked dinner from scratch for the first time” and now feels “a lot more confident” in the kitchen.

Hannah Smart, Project Lead, Project Food, said: “With funding from East Devon District Council, Project Food has been able to forge valuable new connections with organisations across the district and deliver hands-on cooking courses for parents and children who were particularly affected by the pandemic. By partnering with Sidmouth Foodbank, we also secured additional funding to provide families with ingredients from the sessions, enabling them to recreate the recipes and reinforce their learning. Just before Christmas, we delivered additional recipe boxes to 15 families, extending the support even further.”

Councillor Dan Ledger, Portfolio Holder Sustainable Homes and Communities, East Devon District Council, said: “A healthy diet is vital for resilience and overall wellbeing, yet many local families are finding it increasingly hard to achieve. This initiative goes beyond simply providing food; it’s about equipping our residents with the skills and resources to make lasting, positive changes. We’re proud to partner with Project Food to deliver this transformative support and help our communities build healthier, brighter futures for themselves and their families.”