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Christmas has a way of amplifying what we’re already feeling. The joy feels bigger. The loneliness feels louder. And for some, the hunger doesn’t pause for twinkling lights or festive carols. For many young people leaving care, or simply navigating tough circumstances, Christmas isn’t cosy. It’s not sparkling or glittery. Empty cupboards feel emptier, and the pressure to “manage on your own” weighs heavier than ever. At Auntie’s Cookery Academy, we see this all the time. Some

So, here we are. Auntie’s Cookery Academy is now a fully registered Charitable Incorporated Organisation, and it feels like one of those moments where you stop, breathe, and realise just how far things have come in a short space of time. When we launched back in May 2024, we didn’t have grand plans or polished strategies. We just knew that food has the power to change things for young people who are stepping into adulthood without the safety nets many of us take for granted.

We had the most amazing time at the launch of the Arctic Adventure expedition at Xscape Milton Keynes this week! From the moment the event opened, it felt like stepping into a whole new world. A huge thank you to Councillor Mohammed Khan for officially opening the event, to Nam Jim for sponsoring the delicious canapés, and to all the guests who came along and made the evening so special. The expedition itself is incredible - an immersive journey from the Arctic to the Antarct

Stirring Self-Belief – How Cooking Builds Confidence and Emotional Wellbeing At Auntie’s Cookery Academy, we believe that cooking changes lives—not only by filling plates, but by rebuilding confidence and emotional resilience. For many of our learners, cooking is about far more than food. It’s about reclaiming a sense of control, achievement, and identity in a world that may have stripped them of these things. Whether someone has experienced housing insecurity, low self-estee

Building Confidence Through Community: The Hidden Ingredient in Food Education. When people think of learning to cook, they often imagine recipe books, TV chefs, or YouTube tutorials. But the reality is far more complex—especially for those facing food insecurity or rebuilding their lives after hardship. At Auntie’s Cookery Academy, we know from experience and research that community support is just as important as the recipes themselves. As outlined in the Vital Signs report

Food Literacy – A Fundamental Right, Not a Middle-Class Privilege. In today’s society, knowing how to nourish yourself should be considered a basic life skill, not a luxury reserved for those with time, money, or access. Yet, millions of people across the UK struggle with food literacy—lacking the knowledge, skills, and confidence to plan, select, and prepare nutritious meals (UK Food Standards Agency, 2023). At Auntie’s Cookery Academy, we advocate for a radical shift in how

From Survival to Self-Reliance – How Cooking Education Changes Lives. At Auntie’s Cookery Academy, we believe that learning to cook is about far more than putting a meal on the table - it's about building confidence, restoring dignity, and empowering individuals to live more independently. Cooking education equips people with essential life skills, including how to plan meals, shop on a budget, prepare nutritious food, and adapt recipes to their needs. These skills are especi

Food, confidence and a bit of organised chaos in the kitchen We realise that the best learning sessions are usually the ones shaped by the young people themselves. At YMCA Northamptonshire, where we’re now running weekly cookery workshops, that’s becoming clearer every time we step through the door. The energy shifts depending on who’s there, what they’re curious about, and sometimes what they’ve been craving all week. One Tuesday, we found ourselves knee-deep in flour, rolli

More Than Empty Cupboards – Understanding Food Insecurity vs. Food Poverty. When we talk about people struggling to access nutritious food, two terms often arise: food insecurity and food poverty. While they’re closely related, they are not the same—and at Auntie’s Cookery Academy, we believe it's crucial to understand the distinction so we can respond appropriately. Food poverty refers primarily to the economic inability to afford sufficient, nutritious food. It’s a financ

Empowering Lives Through Food: The Purpose Behind Auntie’s Cookery Academy. At Auntie’s Cookery Academy, we believe that food education is far more than just learning to cook, it’s about building independence, boosting confidence, and tackling deep-rooted challenges like food insecurity and nutritional illiteracy. Cooking education provides people with the essential skills to live independently, make informed nutritional decisions, and manage limited resources effectively. Ac

Why our rebrand feels like an important step in our journey Every organisation grows up a little over time, and this year felt like the moment for us to lift our head, take stock and think carefully about who we’re becoming. That’s why we’re genuinely excited to share our refreshed brand identity. It’s bold, a bit playful, and very much rooted in the work we do with young people. Our new logo brings together illustrated icons, warm colours and a style that feels welcoming rat

We are thrilled to share that Emily-Jane Dale, co-founder of Auntie’s Cookery Academy, has been awarded First Class Honours for her BSc in Future Food & Culinary Management. Emily achieved this milestone while juggling three years of study alongside running her own business, Auntie Em’s Kitchen, and founding Auntie’s Cookery Academy. It’s a remarkable achievement that speaks to her dedication, resilience, and passion for using food as a tool for positive change. Her dissertat

Auntie's Cookery Academy Launches with Resounding Success Auntie's Cookery Academy, a newly established charity dedicated to empowering care experienced young people through culinary education, celebrated its official launch on Thursday, May 9th, 2024. The event, attended by esteemed guests including the Mayor of Milton Keynes Mick Legg, Councillor Emily Darlington, High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire Kurshida Mirza, Councillor Shazna Muzammil, local entrepreneurs, representative