Empower to Cook CIC is a social enterprise based in Buckinghamshire. We provide cookery classes, food education and consultancy to children, community groups, families and corporates. Empower to Cook CIC was founded by Michael Brown, a trained and experienced chef and qualified teacher with a breadth of expertise working with and educating people about food. Michael has identified a local need to champion better food education in the community. He is an advocate for teaching about food and is passionate about working with children, young people and families to raise self-esteem, confidence and basic life skills using food as a tool. We've recently partnered with environmental campaigning organisation Feedback to explore the world of food and how we can become better food citizens, more mindful of how we eat and of the impact of food on the environment. Together we've produced a Food Citizens' Cookbook, exploring the foods that most often go to waste in Buckinghamshire during the different months of the year. There's much that can be done with unwanted fruits and vegetables. Rather than waste them and with the help of the Food Citizens' Cookbook they can become delicious meals. When food is prepared with seasonal and local food, not only is it more flavoursome and nutritious, but is kinder to the environment as the journey from farm to table is shorter. It also supports the local community. Please visit our website for more details and to download your free copy of the cookbook. Empower to Cook classes ensure people learn by doing rather than by watching, using seasonal ingredients that are inexpensive and may be easily bought or grown. We use surplus food where possible, tapping into the growing network of food waste suppliers. Knowledge of food and cooking is a vital element of our children’s education. Our work in schools aims to equip the next generation with the skills to achieve better health and well-being for themselves.