What began as a rapid COVID 19- response has grown into a model tackling food poverty, education and local economic development. Judges praised the depth of impact, leadership and ability to foster connection and resilience, highlighting her as a standout example of how grassroots action can evolve into sustained meaningful community transformation. (Source: Women in Food & Drink Awards, 2026). Reflecting on this award Clare said “From the very beginning Cooking Champions has been a team effort and none of this would be possible without the support of literally hundreds of people over the last six years”.

What’s next for Cooking Champions?

Over the past two months, we have transformed a car park into a thriving urban garden. We are now growing a wide variety of vegetables, creating welcoming seating areas for the community to gather, and putting the finishing touches on our outdoor cooking space.

We’ll be celebrating with a launch party very soon, so be sure to check out our social media channels for updates and event details.

During every school holiday, we provide free cooking classes for children aged 7–16. As we head into summer, we hope to run these sessions outdoors, using fresh ingredients picked straight from our growing beds by the children themselves.

Our social enterprise partner, Seren Catering, is a catering and event management company that donates all of its profits to Cooking Champions. We offer individually designed menus, high-quality food, and additional services including staff and equipment hire.

Our newest addition is a beautiful charcuterie cart — perfect for garden parties, weddings, and special events. You can hire the cart on its own, or choose from a range of fully catered menu options so you can relax and enjoy your event without any extra stress.

For more information, please email clare@serencatering.uk.