Case Study
Lola’s Kitchen Tackles Food and Finance Together
Lola’s Kitchen is a community based project in Shropshire that supports individuals and families by teaching them how to prepare nutritious meals on a tight budget. The project focuses on showing participants how to cook meals for under £10 where possible, alongside learning how to shop smarter. With the ongoing cost of living crisis and rising energy prices, the support has become increasingly vital for local communities.
Across Shropshire, many households are facing significant financial pressure, with some families having to make difficult choices between heating their homes and putting food on the table, particularly during colder months. Lola’s Kitchen addresses these challenges directly by tackling food insecurity at its root, equipping people with practical skills needed to stretch a budget while still maintaining a healthy and balanced diet.
By focusing on education, the project not only helps individuals and families meet their immediate needs but also reduces long term reliance on emergency food support. Participants gain confidence in the kitchen, learn essential budgeting techniques, and develop valuable life skills. These sessions create a positive and supportive environment where individuals feel empowered rather than judged.
At the heart of the project is Lavern Mthethwa who brings these classes to life for individuals and/or families, with referrals coming from housing associations and local community centres. She receives no financial compensation for her work; she handles every aspect of the program from setup to delivery out of genuine desire to give back.
The funding from CHIP’s Community Chest Fund (CCF) awarded for another financial year enabled Lavern to purchase cooking equipment, provide tutors to support the cooking classes, hire venues and purchase a range of ingredients. Without this essential funding, the sessions would not be able to continue.
Projects like Lola’s Kitchen play a crucial role in strengthening communities by responding directly to the ‘eat or heat’ challenges some people face today. By combining cookery education with financial awareness, the initiative helps individuals and families build sustainable habits that can have a lasting impact on their health, wellbeing, and household stability.
Community-led initiatives such as this demonstrate how targeted support can make a meaningful difference.
Visit www.chipcharity.org.uk/community-chest-fund/ to find out more information on how your organisation can apply for funding and boost your community impact.
Testimonials
Lorraine – Student.
Roxanne – Student.