Hiding in Sheffield’s Heart of The City project, the Blend Culinary Foundation (BCF) brings unexpected food and activities to the city this December. Operating from their vibrant kitchen space on level one of the award-winning Cambridge Street Collective, this Community Interest Company is much more than just a cooking school. Come explore how the magic of food transforms lives and builds bridges between Sheffield’s diverse communities with this unique offering.
The Foundation’s mission is simply delicious: help alleviate food poverty, promote food education, and unite people through the universal language of cuisine. Since its inception, the team has worked toward an ambitious pledge to ‘give back’ one million meals to those in need during their time at the Collective. With the festive season upon us, there’s no better time to shine a light on their incredible efforts and invite the people of Sheffield to join in this holiday period.
BCF is a dynamic kitchen space focused on a healthy dollop of creativity that doesn’t operate like a classic business model. This 18-station kitchen transforms into whatever is needed. A community and corporate events hub, a cooking school, and a safe haven for vulnerable groups. They host team-building events, private parties, and community workshops. Every activity contributes to the Foundation’s larger mission. The profits from these events help fund initiatives that directly benefit the city’s most vulnerable residents.
One such initiative is the cookery sessions for SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) groups. These classes go beyond teaching practical skills—they foster confidence, independence, and joy. Participants leave not only with a meal they’ve created but also with a sense of achievement that’s as nourishing as the food itself.
The Foundation also partners with several charities to provide quality food to those who need it. They work with the S6 Foodbank to deliver freshly prepared meals to those in crisis. It also supports The Children’s Hospital Charity providing meals allowing parents to stay by their children’s side during long-term hospitalisations.
So, you may be thinking, how can I get involved? Now is the perfect time: Blend Culinary Foundation has some magical events happening in December. Their Christmas-themed cooking classes provide the perfect remedy for the winter chill. I particularly love the look of the “Cooking & Cocktails: Brunch, Bellinis & Bloody Marys” class and their other “Cocktails & Canapés for Christmas.” series. There are also family-friendly activities, such as mince pie making and family pizza sessions A wonderful time out is promised, and every pound spent helps fund initiatives that provide comfort, sustenance, and community support to those in need.
For those looking for the perfect gift, Blend offers vouchers that promise unforgettable experiences. A cooking class isn’t just about the recipes—it’s a chance to bond, create, and give back. Why not gift a loved one the joy of learning a new skill while supporting a cause close to home? With a full calendar of events scheduled for January and February, including culinary inspirations from New England, Japan, and Latin America, there is much to look forward to even after the holiday decorations have been taken down.
They also host a monthly Cook Book Club. Each month showcasing a recipe from a chosen cookery book while chatting about favourite recipes, sharing the ones they love and those they want to try. A book paired with a nice glass of wine, what’s not to love?!
The Foundation’s work highlights the power of Sheffield’s food scene to unite and uplift. BCF’s partnerships with local organisations and initiatives demonstrate how businesses can be a force for good. Connecting, sharing and collaborating on food projects creates a ripple effect of positive change across the city. From pop-up sessions to collaborative projects, BCF’s impact extends far beyond their kitchen walls. They recently joined ShefFood as a partner and are a fantastic member organisation to connect with the vast network of food initiatives and projects across the city.
To continue their vital work, Blend Culinary Foundation needs your support. Join a class, attend a pop-up, or gift a voucher; you’ll support their mission to give back one million meals! Celebrate the season with the joy of good food and its power to connect and uplift—what better way to toast the holidays?
Visit the Blend Culinary Foundation page on the Cambridge Street Collective website for more info on events: https://cambridgestreetcollective.com/blend-culinary-foundation. For specific inquiries, feel free to email them at [email protected]. It’s inspiring to see something a little bit different in the city.
