Cook for Good, based in Kings Cross, London, is lighting up digital screens as the latest Good Cause to feature in the National Lottery’s Because of You series. The films follow Claudia Winkleman, The National Lottery’s Ambassador-in-Chief, as she meets projects across the UK to showcase the extraordinary difference National Lottery funding makes to local communities, all made possible Because of You, the players.
At the men’s grub club, Claudia got involved alongside members of the club to prepare a hearty chicken and white bean soup with walnut pesto. She chopped ingredients, stirred pots, and shared stories with members, learning firsthand how the club has boosted their confidence, connection and wellbeing.
Reflecting on her time with the club, Claudia Winkleman said, “Spending time with Cook for Good was completely joyful. The warmth, humour and sheer community spirit in that kitchen was something I’ll never forget. I’m so delighted to be part of this National Lottery campaign because everything you see here, the joy, the confidence, the sense of belonging, is only possible because of you, the National Lottery players. Your support genuinely changes lives.”
Cathy Halstead, Marketing and Communications Manager at Cook for Good said,
“She just rolled up her sleeves and piled in. I think our Grub Clubbers were charmed by her and she was charmed by them.”
Founded in 2019, Cook for Good is a social enterprise dedicated to helping residents of the Priory Green housing estate to cook healthy meals, deepen community ties, and reduce social isolation. The men’s grub club, designed for men aged 60 and over, meets monthly to learn new skills, share food, and build lasting friendships. “The social interaction is as important as the cooking,” Cathy explained. “They’ve become great friends, it’s life-affirming.”
Supported by National Lottery funding, Cook for Good has received just over £57,000 to date. Now, the club funds 80% of its work through innovative corporate team-building cookery events, while redistributing surplus food to the community via its pantry.
Claudia Winkleman visited as part of her role as The National Lottery’s Ambassador-in-Chief, shining a spotlight on the extraordinary good that happens in communities every week because of National Lottery players. She was joined by Michael, a National Lottery player and local volunteer, who saw firsthand how this support helps projects like Cook for Good thrive.
Cook for Good has welcomed famous faces before, its cookbook Soup for Good was praised by Stanley Tucci, and Nigella Lawson and Ed Balls have visited, but Cathy says Claudia’s visit was especially meaningful, “Everyone loves Claudia. It means a lot that she showed such interest and took the time to chat to all of the guys individually.”
Every time someone plays The National Lottery, projects like Cook for Good can go from strength to strength, building communities, supporting good causes, and improving lives.
In her role as Ambassador-in-Chief, Claudia will continue to champion the inspiring stories and incredible people across the country whose lives have been transformed by National Lottery funding. Claudia will be working with The National Lottery to tell these stories as part of a long-term partnership. The unique films cover the difference The National Lottery funding is making to grassroots projects supporting the arts, communities, heritage and sport. Claudia will be accompanying a local National Lottery player to reveal the life-changing impact made possible every time they play.
Since National Lottery funding began in 1994 more than 650,000 projects have been funded with the astonishing £52 billion raised by players with a ticket or Scratchcard. Every week, on average, National Lottery players raise more than £32 million which enables hundreds of projects to have received funding in every postcode area across the country.
