About us
Since 2011, we've followed a mission to make cooking from scratch accessible to all
Our vision is simple but ambitious: a community where everyone has access to nutritious, affordable food and the skills to prepare it.
To achieve our vision, we offer free and subsidised cookery classes at our friendly kitchen in South Bristol.
We also distribute 150 recipe kits each week and connect with local networks through vital community outreach programmes and school partnerships.
Our advocacy is a key component of our work – our team regularly dedicates time and energy, in Bristol and beyond, to campaign for fundamental change in our food education.
Making an impact
Keen to learn more? Download our latest impact report to read about the measurable change our work provides.
Our story
Square Food Foundation was founded by award-winning chef and food educator Barny Haughton MBE, who taught his first cookery class in 1998 at his Bristol restaurant, Quartier Vert. In 2006, the cookery school moved to Bordeaux Quay on the harbourside, offering a programme of masterclasses and private events that subsidised its ever-important work with schools and community groups.
In 2011, the cookery school moved again to its current location in Knowle West, South Bristol – in the process, it officially became a Community Interest Company. Now a registered charity, Square Food Foundation continues to offer an ever-expanding food education programme, proudly positioned at the heart of the community in which it serves.
In 2026, Barny stepped away from day-to-day activities, remaining as Founder Patron and continuing to advocate for the charity’s vital work.
Our team today
Now, our cookery school can be found at The Park Centre, a vibrant community hub in Knowle West, which is where you'll find all our classes as well as our teachers, kitchen staff and other core team members. We're a friendly bunch – learn more about us below!
We're also proud to offer our professional Catering & Events division located nearby in Filwood – launched in 2022, the team here provide delicious, bespoke and ethical food for corporate lunches, private parties, weddings and more. All profits feed back into the Square Food Foundation charity, helping us to fund our work and tackle food insecurity.
How our work is funded
Square Food Foundation is funded by a range of different sources and key supporters, including grants from trusts and foundations, individual donations, Corporate Partnerships and our own Catering & Events team.
Quite simply, we could do what we do without these generous donations and different ways of funding our work. If you'd like to join them – either as a regular donor or by giving a one-off donation – find out more below.
Other ways to support us
Whether you're a business or an individual that shares our vision, every donation of time or money makes a difference to us.
Fundraising
Share your fun ideas with us and start raising money for our charity today.
Corporate Partnerships
Corporate support and donations are more important than ever – learn how your business can fund the work we do.
Volunteering
Join our team of passionate volunteers who help support classes, pack recipe kits and more.