The project will develop and deliver a community kitchen in a disused community space in North Croydon. The community kitchen will provide home-cooked healthy, nutritious and affordable food for local families and busy professionals several times a week on a collection or eat-in basis. For families eating-in, a communal dining space will be provided with regular events, themes and family entertainment. The community kitchen will include a small vegetable and herb garden to be tended by the children and young people with support and oversight from project volunteers. The community kitchen will provide cookery lessons for fathers (including male carers/relatives) and their children helping to strengthen family bonds; improve health and wellbeing; provide education and skills on nutrition, healthy living and cooking skills/techniques; contribute to environmental objectives through use of communal facilities; foster closer and more cohesive communities; reduce strain on busy families.

What we'll deliver:

• Cookery lessons for children and parents
• Healthy cooked meals for local families and communities
• Family time and fun activities
• Family support and help with home life
• Community vegetable and herb garden

Why it's a great idea:

With rising health inequality and the lack of good and affordable food choices in many of our communities, there is a need for access to healthy and affordable food choices. This project aims to support fathers and their children to gain valuable skills in providing nutritious and delicious meals for their children while bonding with their children in a safe, fun and non-threatening environment. Aimed at fathers and other male relatives this project will raise awareness of health and wellbeing and nutrition principles and is delivered as part of the 'daddy-do and men mental health community initiatives'. We also aim to reduce stress within busy families by contributing to the weekly meal preparation process and allowing more time for family activities, communication and leisure time. The family events and workshops on offer will be a welcoming mix of fun, information and educational activities.

Steps to get it done:

• Buying plants and seeds, gardening equipment and catering equipment
• Digging and planting beds
• Designing menus, nutrition guides and cultural events
• Promotion and awareness-raising
• Partnerships development and networking
• Opening the garden and community centre to the public