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Welcome to Square Food Foundation

Transforming lives through food and cooking

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Who we are

Square Food Foundation is a food education charity and cookery school based in South Bristol. Our main aim is to make cooking from scratch accessible for people of all ages and abilities.

We run free and subsidised cookery classes from our friendly kitchen in Knowle West, alongside a weekly recipe kit programme and regular school partnerships.

Learning to cook gives people the opportunity to be in control of their health, wellbeing and budgets. Rooted in our local community, we work with groups of people who often face multiple barriers to these opportunities.

Crucially, we meet people where they are – with compassion, understanding and encouragement

Featured courses & classes

Explore our courses & classes, practical and friendly sessions designed to build confidence, skills and a love of cooking at your own pace.

Starting soon
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Holiday classes

Fun daytime sessions for children to learn cooking and enjoy a fresh, homemade meal during the school holidays.

Find out more
Age range 8–14 / Course length One-off classes
Dates 3rd – 23rd August 2026
Recruiting now
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Cooking connections

A fun and friendly cooking group open to adults with learning disabilities or mental health issues.

Find out more
Age range 18+ / Course length 12 weeks
Dates 21st September – 14th December 2026 (term-time)
Recruiting now
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How to be a chef

Our flagship course for young people who are not currently in full-time education, employment or training.

Find out more
Age range 16–25 / Course length 12 weeks
Dates 4th November 2026 – 4th February 2027 (term-time)

Our impact

Since 2011, Square Food Foundation has helped thousands of people to gain skills, improve health and connect through cooking, creating a lasting impact on our local community.

Each year our work includes:

370

cookery classes taught

6,410

recipe kits delivered

1,750kg

of surplus food saved from waste

1,000+

batch cooked meals for our community

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"At my last educational institution, I never felt listened to or cared for, and the difference coming to Square Food Foundation was black and white."

Student feedback, How to be a chef

"First course I have ever stuck to. Cannot explain how much the course has helped me, without it I would be sat at home doing nothing."

Learner feedback, Cooking connections

"It's been a pleasure to watch the students develop over 12 weeks, their confidence around food grows, they are tasting new things and being proud of themselves."

Teacher feedback, School classes

Support us

We need your help to reduce the impact of food insecurity in South Bristol and beyond.

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Make a donation

Your generosity helps us to deliver our recipe kits, classes and more – join us to make a difference.

Donate today
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Corporate Partnerships

Are you a local business looking to make a positive social impact? Let's work together!

Join the scheme
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Catering & Events

Book our professional catering team for your next event and make an ethical choice to help tackle food insecurity.

Learn more