How Cooking Education Builds Confidence and Independence

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 especially important for young people, care leavers, and those transitioning out of supported accommodation, who often lack the practical knowledge or experience to manage their own

nutrition effectively (Public Health Nutrition, 2016).

Emily-Jane Dale (2025), CEO and Chair of Auntie’s Cookery Academy, conducted research using the Evaluation Tool for Food Literacy Programmes (Begley et al., 2018). The study found that after completing a six-week structured cooking programme, participants showed significant improvement in both practical skills and self-confidence—particularly around cooking independently, budgeting, and meal planning.

Confidence is a key theme that emerged from the findings. Educators reported marked growth in participants' belief in their own ability to follow recipes, make healthy choices, and take control of their diets. This confidence extended beyond the kitchen. Learners were more likely to speak up about their food preferences, try new things, and think ahead about their meals—all indicators of greater self-reliance.

This mirrors broader research showing that food education not only improves nutrition but also supports emotional well-being and mental health (West et al., 2020; Truman et al., 2020). When people feel capable in the kitchen, they are less reliant on expensive takeaways or processed meals and are more likely to develop stable, healthy eating routines.

At Auntie’s Cookery Academy, we aim to create this sense of empowerment. Our courses are designed not just to teach recipes, but to provide participants with the tools they need to lead independent, healthy, and confident lives—a core part of our charitable mission.