The initiative began in Rotherham, England, modeled on the wartime Ministry of Food from the Second World War. It was built around community cooking sessions that taught people to prepare meals from scratch using basic techniques and simple recipes, rather than relying on ready-made or takeaway food.

The programme has since grown beyond its original community-centre format to include schools and wider educational work. The expansion was aimed at closing the gap between people knowing what a healthy meal looks like and feeling able to cook one at home.

Figures published in the foundation's 2023 Social Impact Report put the total reach at over 115,000 people by March 2024, delivered through community centres and schools across the three countries.

The programme's underlying premise has stayed constant since 2008: that cooking everyday meals well doesn't require professional training, only accessible instruction and practice.