We made our first grant to Blooming Blossoms in November 2016 and the most recent in November 2025 to support their Nutribridge project. Hannah Singer has sent us this update on their very successful initiative.
“At Blooming Blossoms Trust, we work every day with children and young people facing challenges linked to poverty, learning disabilities, and social barriers. Many of the young people we support have enormous potential but often struggle with issues beyond their control, including food insecurity.
That is why we created the NutriBridge project and thank all our supporters for helping make this important initiative possible.
NutriBridge is a practical response to the growing food insecurity affecting many families during the ongoing Cost of Living crisis. As parents grapple with the tough choice between fuel and food, our recent survey indicates that 83% of them are opting to skip meals to ensure their children are fed. Despite these sacrifices, children continue to face challenges in school, experiencing poor concentration, social difficulties, and academic setbacks.
Through the programme, 25 young people aged 11–18 take part in hands-on cooking sessions where they learn to prepare healthy, affordable meals from scratch. Guided by a dedicated chef, they develop essential life skills including budgeting, meal planning, and understanding balanced nutrition.
A key element of the project is sustainability. By collecting surplus food from local stores and incorporating it into the sessions, young people learn how to transform simple ingredients into nourishing meals while reducing food waste. The impact reaches beyond the kitchen.
Participants are able to take meals home for their families, extending the benefit to households who may be under financial pressure.
“Thank you so much for the yummy suppers. I wait by the window for my sister to bring them home. We can’t believe she cooked them herself, cause they’re just too delicious! “ Ray, 6
At the same time, the sessions build confidence, teamwork, and independence — particularly important for the young people we support, many of whom have experienced repeated academic or social setbacks. NutriBridge is helping provide not only meals but practical skills, resilience and confidence that will last well beyond the project. We are helping bridge the nutrition divide and create healthier, more hopeful futures.”
Blooming Blossom are part of our Community Hub where local charities address the needs in their neighbourhoods. We will be getting together later in the year to agree the next grant. Long may their vital work continue.