Waste not, want not workshop series: Transforming the way you think about food and the seasons.

Batch cooking

Every year in the UK, we throw away 6.6 million tonnes of household food waste – much of it perfectly good produce that simply wasn’t used in time. Meanwhile, the cost of living continues to rise, and many of us are looking for practical ways to make our food budget stretch further while eating well.

Over a series of two hour workshops, you’ll learn time-tested techniques for preserving seasonal produce – whether it’s from your garden, local markets, or those yellow-sticker bargains that represent genuine savings and rescue perfectly good food from unnecessary waste.

Eating seasonally isn’t just about saving money or reducing waste (though it does both beautifully). Seasonal eating connects us to the natural rhythms of the year, often provides better nutrition and flavour, and supports local growers and sustainable farming practices. When we preserve food at its peak, we capture not just its taste, but its nutritional value too.

By the end of each workshop, you’ll have the confidence to turn surplus into treasure – transforming those “too good to waste” moments into a well-stocked cupboard that serves you year-round.

What you’ll bring create and take home: Batch cookery – your budget’s best friend

Think of batch cooking as your secret weapon for saving money and making life easier. When you buy ingredients in larger quantities, you’ll often get better deals – and nothing goes to waste when you’re cooking up a storm. Here’s the brilliant bit: cooking one big batch uses roughly the same energy as making a single portion, so you’re getting so much more bang for your buck on those gas and electricity bills.

We’ve all been there – it’s 6pm, you’re tired, and suddenly a takeaway seems like the only option. But when you’ve got delicious homemade meals waiting in the freezer, you’ll sail past those expensive temptations! And here’s where it gets really clever: spotted some gorgeous vegetables on yellow stickers, or have a glut of seasonal produce? Batch cooking lets you rescue those bargains and turn them into future meals before they have a chance to go off.

The best part? You’ll have a freezer that’s like your own personal restaurant – full of home-cooked meals ready whenever you need them. Less stress, more money in your pocket, and the satisfaction of knowing exactly what’s in your food.

Workshop details

Grow, Cook, Share, Care is a Hands of Hope programme engaging vulnerable groups, those with complex needs, families, especially those living in food poverty, and older people, in learning, wellness and social activities aligned to growing, cooking, and nature.

Suitable for all. Priority for spaces will be given to people meeting the criteria: aged over 50, young carers and young adults with learning disabilities.

There is no charge for this workshop, donations are always welcome!

Please ensure you arrive ten minutes before the start time to ensure we can get everyone registered.