An innovative food education and production programme in Eastleigh Borough has supported nearly 300 families in learning how to prepare nutritious meals while keeping costs low. Delivered in partnership with local organisations, the programme has focused on building healthier habits, reducing social isolation, and strengthening food resilience across the community.

From fun, hands-on cooking sessions to ‘grow your own’ gardening projects, families have been encouraged to explore healthy eating in creative and budget-friendly ways. The initiative has also helped strengthen local food networks by setting up a Local Food Partnership—improving coordination between food banks, community pantries, and fridges to ensure better access for those in need.

A recent highlight saw the team visit Velmore Community Centre, where they worked with older residents to share and reflect on their food memories. The session inspired a live healthy cooking demonstration and led to the creation of a special keepsake book, written by a professional life story writer.

A key legacy of the programme has been the training of community volunteers and frontline staff, including young carers and support workers, to deliver ongoing cooking and nutrition sessions—ensuring the impact continues long into the future.

The programme has been made possible through support from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, with the aim of addressing the cost-of-living crisis, social isolation, and poor nutritional health among local families.

Key partners include local community centres, Munch the food specialists, schools, and a wide range of grassroots organisations who have helped deliver and sustain the initiative.

Cllr Paul Bicknell, Cabinet Lead for Social Policy, said: We’re incredibly grateful to all our amazing partners who are helping families across Eastleigh learn about healthy eating in practical, engaging ways. The real value of this programme lies in its long-term impact—empowering people to eat better, spend less, and stay connected through food. At a time when the cost of living continues to rise, these projects are making a real difference in people’s lives.”