The Plant-Based Community Cookery School
The Plant-Based Community Cookery School
Posted Wednesday 13th August 2025...
Frederie Lecerf set up Joyfull Greens in Surry just over one year ago, under the mentorship of Global Plant Kitchens. Here she shares some of the highs and lows from that first year and her hopes for the future.
1. How would you describe Joyfull Greens?
Joyfull Greens is a new community cookery school in Waverley, Surrey, designed to help people build the skills and confidence to cook healthy, affordable, plant-based meals, supporting better physical, mental, and planetary health.
In time, the community aspect of the project will be supported, in part, through income from fundraising classes led by professional and semi-professional chefs, some of whom have already joined our team.
Our team is passionate about food and committed to sharing the twin benefits of health and community. We recognise that we’re working within a culture and economy that often undermines both, and we aim to counter that through this work.
2. What has been the biggest highlight over the last 12 months?
There have been many highlights, but most especially, discovering people who believe in the project and are willing to support it, as team members, mentors, volunteers, or simply as champions.
Seeing that so many people are prepared to give their time and energy has been incredibly uplifting. This came to life through our first five community classes and two successful funding streams, showing both local and political support. All of this has boosted my confidence in promoting and delivering Joyfull Greens.
3. What is the biggest lesson you have learned since starting Joyfull Greens?
I’ve learned that starting something new takes time and that it’s only by throwing ourselves into the work that we begin to see what’s possible.
At first, I doubted we’d be supported, but by focusing on small, meaningful steps, I’ve come to realise this project is not only possible, but increasingly in demand. In fact, we’re now receiving interest from organisations further afield, more than we currently have capacity to take on.
4. How did Made In Hackney help you get your idea off the ground?
Made In Hackney provided essential mentoring, support, and resources.
They’ve been a beacon, offering inspiration and guidance to help us turn our concept into a real, functioning project. Their expertise in navigating the early stages of community food work was instrumental to the progress Joyfull Greens has made so far.
5. Why is a plant-based diet important to you?
Because both our planet and our personal health are on concerning paths. Without action to improve the way we eat and care for ourselves, chronic disease and mental health challenges will only worsen.
Encouraging people to cook and eat more plants is a powerful way to improve individual wellbeing, reduce environmental harm, and make nutritious food more accessible.
Joyfull Greens exists to support that shift creating a more joyful, positive environment for plant-based eating and dismantling outdated myths around vegetarian and vegan diets.
6. What is your favourite thing about Joyfull Greens?
Making a positive contribution to the community and supporting better health through food.
Food is a powerful tool for connection, healing, and preventative health. Whether it’s through working with local residents, GP surgeries, social prescribers, or charities, being part of something that makes a difference — and learning along the way — is what makes us truly Joyfull.
7. Has anything surprised you since starting Joyfull Greens?
I’ve been surprised by the level of local interest and the strong desire from people to get involved.
Equally surprising and encouraging has been our success in engaging with Borough and County Councils and securing their support. Without their belief in the project, we wouldn’t be able to imagine such a positive future.
8. What advice would you give to someone who is looking to start their own community kitchen?
Start small — baby steps first.
Don’t try to do it all alone.
Research similar projects in your area — not as competitors, but as potential collaborators.
Look further afield for inspiration and build a supportive community through social media.
Reach out to local councillors, political groups, and attend meetings to build your visibility.
Stay close to the kindness and positivity of others — it will carry you through challenges.
Find out more about Joyfull Greens via their website here, and give them a follow on Instagram!
