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

Soup – the ultimate kitchen super-hero

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 with you, create and take home: Soup – the ultimate kitchen super hero

There’s something absolutely magical about a good bowl of soup – it’s like a warm hug for your wallet AND your wellbeing.

Here’s the beautiful thing about soup-making: it’s basically the art of turning bits and bobs into something absolutely delicious. Got some sad-looking vegetables lurking in the fridge? Perfect. Picked up some yellow-sticker bargains? Even better. Those leftover roast dinner bits, random beans in the cupboard, or that half-bag of grains you forgot about, they’re all soup gold waiting to happen.

The best part? You can make a massive pot for pennies, then portion it up and stash it in the freezer. Suddenly you’ve got your very own soup bank for those days when cooking feels like climbing Everest!

And can we talk about how incredibly good for you soup is? You’re getting a rainbow of vitamins, loads of fibre, and all that lovely hydration in one satisfying bowl. It’s gentle on your tummy, perfect for one and for families and honestly makes you feel like you’re being looked after.

The cherry on top? You’re completely in control. Want it hearty and protein-packed? Go for it! Need it dairy-free or gluten-free? No problem.

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.