The 50 Families project is a strategic, community-led initiative supporting families across Northamptonshire to lead healthier lifestyles through the unifying power of food.

The year-long programme helped families develop practical cooking skills, build confidence in making healthier food choices, and connect with others in their community. By promoting healthy, economical eating, the project also aimed to reduce pressures linked to the ongoing cost of living.

The project was supported and funded by Northamptonshire Community Foundation on behalf of Food4Heroes, evaluated by the University of Northampton, and delivered by Home-Start Northampton, Power of the Mind Networks, and The Spring Charity.

Supporting Families Through Food

Local families were supported to make healthier food and cooking choices through a range of practical activities, including:

• Cooking workshops

• Peer learning opportunities

• Culturally relevant food activities

• Community-based support and connection

The project aimed to build confidence and skills in preparing healthy meals, reduce social isolation, and encourage families to support each other.

While short-term interventions such as food banks and school holiday healthy eating programmes play an important role, 50 Families focused on providing lasting knowledge and skills that families can use at home in their everyday lives.

“Being part of the cooking class has been a wonderful experience for me and my family; we learnt how to prepare healthy meals for less…”
— 50 Families participant

Project Impact

Independent evaluation by the University of Northampton highlighted the positive impact of the project on families’ health, wellbeing, and confidence.

Key outcomes

• 52% of participants reported increased awareness of healthy eating and lifestyle choices.

• 59% felt “very confident” or “confident” with their cooking by the end of the project.

• 82% of parents rated their health as average or better in the final survey.

Participants also reported practical improvements in daily life:

“Before 50 Families I wasn’t a great cook… now I cook everything every day from fresh.”
“It’s helped me plan meals better, waste less food, and feel more confident about putting nutritious meals together for my children.”

Learning and Recommendations

The project demonstrates the value of community-led approaches to improving health and wellbeing. The evaluation identified key recommendations for future initiatives:

• Funding beyond short-term pilots to support lasting health outcomes

• Investment in fully equipped kitchens where families can cook together

• Integration of affordable, family-friendly physical activity alongside food initiatives

These insights help inform future community partnerships and programmes that support healthier, more connected communities.

Practical Toolkit for Families

A practical toolkit has been developed to help families continue cooking together and build healthy habits at home. It includes accessible session ideas designed to fit into busy lives across diverse households.

You can find the toolkit on page 37 of the project report.

Read the Full Report

You can explore the full evaluation report, including detailed findings, impact data, and recommendations below.