Cooking with Confidence – The Emotional and Mental HealthBenefits of Food Education

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-esteem, or mental health challenges, stepping into the kitchen and successfully preparing a meal can be a deeply affirming experience.

This perspective is supported by research. In her 2025 dissertation, Emily-Jane Dale (CEO and Chair of Auntie’s Cookery Academy) highlighted that educators observed significant improvements in learner confidence, motivation, and independence by the end of a structured six-week cooking course. Participants moved from hesitation to empowerment, demonstrating not only technical ability but also emotional growth.

As Truman et al. (2020) emphasise in their work on food literacy, the affective domain—emotions, attitudes, and confidence—is just as crucial as knowledge or skill when it comes to long-term behavioural change. Learners who believe in their ability to cook are more likely to do so regularly, eat better, and support their own wellbeing.

The emotional benefits of cooking are well-documented in public health literature too. Cooking is increasingly recognised as a therapeutic activity—one that supports mindfulness, reduces anxiety, and nurtures a sense of purpose (Public Health Nutrition, 2016). When learners work through a recipe step by step, focus on a task, and see tangible results, they build a sense of agency and achievement—often for the first time in years.

The feedback we receive at Auntie’s Cookery Academy speaks volumes. Learners often describe themselves as “proud,” “relieved,” or “surprised” after completing dishes they never thought they could manage. Many say it’s the first time they’ve felt good about something they’ve made—and that it makes them want to try more.

In an era of rising mental health concerns, particularly among young adults and those living in transitional or supported accommodation, practical education that promotes confidence and autonomy is more vital than ever. Auntie’s Cookery Academy provides a nurturing environment where learners grow not just in skill, but in self-worth.