One Year On: What Participants Tell Us
Each year we reach out to participants twelve months after they complete their Bags of Taste course. This follow‑up survey helps us understand how the skills and confidence gained during the programme translate into everyday life. The results show that the changes people make during the course continue well beyond those first few weeks.
Healthier Habits That Last
Participants report long‑term improvements in their eating habits. Many are cooking more at home, choosing healthier meals and reducing their intake of ultra‑processed foods. A large majority say they are buying fewer takeaways and feel more confident planning and preparing food.
Financial Benefits That Make a Difference
The survey shows that the programme has a meaningful impact on household budgets. Participants save money each week by cooking more, shopping more efficiently and wasting less food. These savings add up to more than £1,000 a year for the average household.
Improved Health and Wellbeing
A year on, participants describe feeling healthier, more capable and more in control. Many report improvements in physical health for themselves or their families, and a significant number say their mental health has improved too.
A Programme That Creates Lasting Change
Most participants still consider the programme important in helping them build new habits around cooking, eating and managing food costs. The one‑year survey confirms what mentors see every day: practical support and simple skills can lead to powerful, long‑term change.
