About Food for Thought CIC

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Food for Thought CIC was founded with a simple belief: food has the power to change lives. What started as a chef’s passion for community and sustainability has grown into a social enterprise that nourishes bodies, supports wellbeing, and builds stronger communities across Solihull, Birmingham, and Sandwell.

From the beginning, our aim has been to bridge the gap between food, health, and opportunity. We saw the struggles families face with rising food costs, food waste, and lack of access to practical cooking skills. We also saw the way food can break down barriers, spark creativity, and bring people together.

Our journey began with small community cooking workshops and surplus food projects. Families came through the door unsure at first, but left with new skills, confidence, and connections. Children discovered the joy of cooking in our Little Chefs programme. Adults found warmth and friendship through our Soup & Social sessions. Young people explored new skills at Meriden Adventure Playground (MAPA), where food and play go hand in hand.

Step by step, Food for Thought CIC has grown into a trusted local partner. We now work with schools, family hubs, local councils, community centres, and organisations such as YO-Solihull and Solihull BID, using food as a tool for learning, wellbeing, and community resilience.

Looking ahead, we’re expanding our reach through new projects like Hash & Smash – our community-driven street food venture – which will sustain our programmes and allow us to invest even more back into the communities we serve.

At every stage, our story has been shaped by people: the families cooking together for the first time, the volunteers sharing their skills, the communities opening their doors, and the partners who share our vision.

Because for us, food is never just food. It’s connection, confidence, and community on a plate.

Food for Thought CIC is led by Aairon Dalton and Matt Schofield — two passionate chefs with a shared vision of using food to change lives. With years of experience in professional kitchens, events, and community projects, we bring both creativity and discipline to the table. Aairon drives the vision and community impact, while Matt focuses on delivery and culinary excellence. Together, we combine skills, passion, and lived experience to nourish bodies, heal minds, and strengthen communities.

• Served over 2,500 freshly prepared meals to local communities.
• Rescued and reused more than a tonne of surplus food that would otherwise have gone to waste.
• Engaged 80+ families through our Little Chefs cooking workshops at Hatchford Brook Family Hub and community venues across Solihull, Birmingham, and Sandwell.
• Partnered with Meriden Adventure Playground (MAPA) to deliver youth cooking projects that combine food, play, and wellbeing.
• Expanded community reach through Soup & Social at Dorothy Parkes Centre, bringing people together over hot meals and conversation.
• Delivered practical cooking workshops for YO-Solihull.
• Worked with Solihull BID to pilot Payday Workshops, using food to support local community engagement and wellbeing.