YOU CAN COOK was set up by entrepreneur Bosco Santimano as a means of helping local and national communities lead healthier lives on a budget.
In the bustling landscape of community initiatives and social enterprises, few organizations stand out with the same level of heartfelt purpose and tangible impact as You Can Cook. Established in Scotland over a decade ago, You Can Cook CIC is not merely a cookery school or a workshop provider; it is, in essence, a philosophy brought to life—a celebration of food, people, and cultures that has become a vital cornerstone for healthy living across the country.
From its foundational mission to empower communities to make informed choices about their food and health, to its hands-on approach in delivering bespoke cookery classes and nutritional workshops, the organization has meticulously woven itself into the fabric of Scottish society.
Initially, the idea was simple yet profound: to use the universal language of food as a vehicle for positive social change. The founders recognized that for many, the act of cooking and eating had become disconnected from a deeper understanding of nutrition, sustainability, and communal joy. Consequently, they set out to bridge this gap, creating a model that was both educational and deeply engaging. This commitment to active participation and shared learning is a defining characteristic of You Can Cook. Furthermore, its status as a Community Interest Company (CIC) underscores its dedication to channeling all profits and assets back into its social mission, thereby ensuring a virtuous cycle of community enrichment. As a result, every class, every workshop, and every project serves a larger purpose, ultimately contributing to a healthier, more connected Scotland.
The core of You Can Cook’s work lies in its comprehensive and holistic approach to food education. This is far from the typical, prescriptive cooking class; rather, it is an immersive experience designed to equip individuals with lifelong skills and knowledge. The organization's programs are built on a foundation of three pillars: health and nutrition, practical cooking skills, and cultural celebration.
Firstly, the emphasis on health and nutrition is paramount. In a world saturated with convenience foods and conflicting dietary advice, You Can Cook provides clear, evidence-based guidance. Through interactive workshops, participants learn about the fundamentals of a balanced diet, the importance of fresh ingredients, and how to read and understand food labels. Moreover, these sessions are not delivered in an academic or preachy manner; instead, they are integrated into the cooking process itself, making the learning both memorable and immediately applicable. For instance, while preparing a simple, nutritious meal, an instructor might explain the benefits of different vitamins and minerals, or discuss the cost-saving advantages of cooking from scratch.
Secondly, the focus on practical cooking skills is what truly empowers participants. Many individuals, from young students to older adults, have never been taught basic culinary techniques. You Can Cook addresses this head-on, providing hands-on instruction in everything from knife skills and food preparation to understanding cooking temperatures and food hygiene.
By providing all the necessary equipment and traveling directly to its clients, the organization removes the common barriers that often prevent people from engaging with cookery classes. The result is a welcoming and accessible environment where everyone, regardless of their prior experience, can learn to create delicious and healthy meals with confidence. The joy and satisfaction that come from mastering a new recipe are a key part of the experience, fostering a sense of achievement that extends beyond the kitchen.
Finally, the celebration of different cultures through food is a beautiful and unifying aspect of You Can Cook’s work. The organization recognizes that food is a powerful expression of identity and heritage. Consequently, its programs often feature recipes and techniques from around the world, inviting participants to explore new flavors and traditions. This approach not only broadens culinary horizons but also promotes a deeper appreciation for diversity, strengthening social bonds within the community. For example, a workshop might focus on the vibrant spices of a curry from India, while another might explore the comforting flavors of a traditional Scottish stew. Therefore, food becomes a bridge between cultures, a shared language that everyone can understand and enjoy.
You Can Cook’s influence extends far beyond the confines of its cooking workshops. The organization is deeply embedded in the community, working with a diverse range of clients and partners to address specific social needs. Its bespoke services are a testament to this adaptability and commitment. From the NHS to local authorities, and from schools to private companies, You Can Cook tailors its programs to suit the unique requirements of each client.
In schools, for instance, You Can Cook runs projects like “Food for Thought,” which targets primary school students, and “Youth Can Cook,” aimed at engaging young people. These programs not only teach children about healthy eating but also encourage them to develop a positive relationship with food from an early age. The importance of this work cannot be overstated, as early intervention in food education can have a profound impact on a child’s long-term health and wellbeing. By making the process fun and interactive, You Can Cook ensures that these lessons are not forgotten.
Moreover, the organization has a strong track record of partnering with housing associations and other third-sector bodies to tackle pressing issues such as the cost of living crisis and social isolation. Their initiatives provide workshops designed to help families cook good, nutritious food for less, offering advice on budget-friendly shopping and money-saving recipes. By combining practical skills with social interaction, these sessions also combat loneliness and isolation, providing a supportive environment where people can connect, learn, and share. As a result, the impact is two-fold: participants gain valuable financial and culinary skills while also building a stronger sense of community.
The organization’s social mission also extends to some of the most vulnerable members of society. In a truly innovative partnership, You Can Cook collaborated with an organization to work with women who had recently been released from prison. This pilot program, though challenging, demonstrated the power of food as a tool for rehabilitation and empowerment. Learning to cook and share meals can provide a sense of routine, self-worth, and social connection that is crucial for successful reintegration into society. In this context, the kitchen becomes a safe space, and the act of cooking a path to rebuilding lives.
A particularly special and complementary aspect of You Can Cook’s work is its partner organization, You Can Grow. This initiative takes the food journey one step further, helping individuals and communities to cultivate their own food. You Can Grow provides support to schools, community groups, and other organizations in planning, building, and managing their own edible gardens. This partnership perfectly encapsulates the "seed to plate" philosophy that is at the heart of the social enterprise.
The connection between growing and cooking is a powerful one. By helping people to grow their own vegetables and herbs, You Can Cook and You Can Grow foster a deeper appreciation for where food comes from, the effort involved in its production, and the seasonality of ingredients. This firsthand experience can fundamentally change an individual's relationship with food, encouraging healthier eating habits and a greater sense of environmental responsibility. What's more, the joy of harvesting produce that you have nurtured yourself is unparalleled, and it makes the cooking process even more rewarding.
The You Can Grow book, a culmination of the organization's knowledge and passion, is a testament to this commitment. Published as Scotland’s first book for growers by a social enterprise, it serves as a comprehensive guide for anyone looking to start their own edible garden, whether in a large allotment or a small window box. Furthermore, it reinforces the message that growing your own food is accessible to everyone, regardless of space or experience.
Beyond its social mission, You Can Cook is also deeply committed to environmental sustainability. The organization’s operations are guided by a strong sense of ecological responsibility. In all its sessions, it actively minimizes its carbon footprint and uses environmentally friendly cleaning products and recycled or compostable crockery. This attention to detail demonstrates a holistic view of wellbeing that encompasses not only personal health but also the health of Earth.
This commitment to sustainability is also reflected in the organization’s educational programs. Participants are often taught about food waste reduction, seasonal eating, and the benefits of using local produce. Consequently, the lessons learned in a You Can Cook workshop extend far beyond a single meal, encouraging participants to become more conscious consumers and to adopt habits that are both healthier for them and better for the environment. By teaching people how to use leftovers creatively and how to plan meals more effectively, the organization directly contributes to reducing household food waste, a significant environmental issue.
In summary, You Can Cook is a beacon of positive change, a social enterprise that has skillfully harnessed the power of food to build stronger, healthier, and more connected communities. Through its bespoke cookery classes, nutritional workshops, and partnerships with a wide array of organizations, it has empowered countless individuals across Scotland to take control of their health and wellbeing. The organization’s dedication to a holistic approach—which includes everything from practical cooking skills and nutritional education to cultural celebration and environmental sustainability—sets it apart.
Moving forward, You Can Cook continues to adapt and innovate, responding to the evolving needs of the communities it serves. Whether it is a workshop designed to tackle the cost of living crisis, a program aimed at engaging young people, or a project to support vulnerable individuals, the organization’s mission remains the same: to motivate and inspire people to enhance their health and wellbeing through the simple, yet profound, act of cooking. In a world that often feels disconnected, You Can Cook offers a powerful antidote, reminding us all that with a little guidance and a lot of heart, we can all make positive changes, one meal at a time. The legacy of this remarkable organization is not just in the recipes it has taught, but in the lives it has touched, the communities it has strengthened, and the healthier future it is helping to build.
YOU CAN COOK organises cookery classes, demonstrations and workshops on nutrition and food related issues all over Scotland.
