Empowering Communities To Cook Healthy Food On A Budget
Across Chester, Cheshire & The Northwest
About Veged
OUR MISSION
Is to empower underserved communities by teaching essential cooking skills that enable individuals to prepare healthy and affordable meals on a budget. We believe that food has the power to bring people together, break down barriers and create lasting connections. By providing inclusive and accessible hands-on cooking experiences we support individuals including those with learning disabilities, ex-offenders and young adults with complex care needs helping them build confidence, independence and vital social connections. Through our work we aim to promote self-sufficiency, enhance well-being and encourage a stronger sense of community ensuring that everyone can enjoy the benefits of cooking and healthy eating.
WHY
WHAT
WHAT
We believe food can bring people together, break down barriers and create lasting connections. Through inclusive cooking experiences, we inspire confidence, tackle social isolation and build stronger communities with budget-friendly plant-based recipes that nourish both body and mind.
WHAT
WHAT
WHAT
We host inclusive cookery sessions where participants learn, connect and enjoy budget-friendly plant-based meals creating safe spaces to build confidence and develop life skills while empowering individuals to make healthier food choices.
HOW
WHAT
HOW
We provide hands-on cooking sessions for all abilities to learn, connect and enjoy nutritious meals. By partnering with community groups, charities and local organisations we ensure our sessions are accessible and promote healthy eating while encouraging social connections.
MEET YOUR TRAINER
Leading VEGED in person lessons is Lisa Hinze, a professional home cook, certified Food for Life Instructor and co-author of ‘Mum I’ve Gone Vegan,’ with over 30 years of kitchen expertise. A passionate foodie with a wealth of experience in both the not-for-profit and corporate sectors Lisa offers more than just cooking lessons. As a mother of two she understands the challenges of cooking, planning and budgeting to eat well. Lisa makes cookery accessible to all abilities, creating uplifting memories through shared social experiences in every lesson.
"Cheshire West Voluntary Action is delighted to recognise the outstanding work, particularly their contributions to the Cheshire & Merseyside Cancer Alliance funded project. Their engaging cookery sessions have made a significant impact in promoting cancer awareness and early detection.
Lisa has demonstrated exceptional dedication to reach
"Cheshire West Voluntary Action is delighted to recognise the outstanding work, particularly their contributions to the Cheshire & Merseyside Cancer Alliance funded project. Their engaging cookery sessions have made a significant impact in promoting cancer awareness and early detection.
Lisa has demonstrated exceptional dedication to reaching the most marginalised in our community through her collaboration with Tomorrow's Woman.
They have also extended their invaluable cancer awareness and healthy eating initiatives to Live! Cheshire, an organisation that supports people with learning disabilities and difficulties."
John Buchanan, Training Officer and Cheshire & Merseyside Cancer Alliance Social Action Lead
Cheshire West Voluntary Action
" Lisa is incredibly informative and hands-on, making it easy to learn how to prepare delicious and nutritious plant-based meals. Each session is packed with valuable tips on how to use affordable, everyday ingredients to create dishes that not only taste amazing but also provide significant health benefits.
One of the standout aspects of
" Lisa is incredibly informative and hands-on, making it easy to learn how to prepare delicious and nutritious plant-based meals. Each session is packed with valuable tips on how to use affordable, everyday ingredients to create dishes that not only taste amazing but also provide significant health benefits.
One of the standout aspects of the program is the personal attention given to each participant. Lisa takes the time to understand individual health goals, dietary needs, and abilities, tailoring the sessions to ensure we get the most out of each event.
From the outset, Lisa worked with us to understand our group and our objectives.
Whether you're looking to improve your health, learn new cooking skills, or simply enjoy cooking and sharing delicious plant-based meals together, I would recommend."
Pam Bellingham, MD
Radiate Arts CIC
"Lisa has been delivering community cooking sessions at Tomorrows women for over a year now, these sessions are delivered to vulnerable women to support and empower them to make simple dishes that don’t cost the earth.
We consistently receive fabulous feedback from the women who attend the sessions, they remain one of the most popular sess
"Lisa has been delivering community cooking sessions at Tomorrows women for over a year now, these sessions are delivered to vulnerable women to support and empower them to make simple dishes that don’t cost the earth.
We consistently receive fabulous feedback from the women who attend the sessions, they remain one of the most popular sessions we run here, and they book up straight away. We can’t thank Lisa enough for her continued support!"
Lisa Buxton, Centre Manager