Big Cook Challenge: Breaking World Records with 79,500 Meals
‘The Big Cook Challenge’ to cook over 60,000 meals for local charities has set a new GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for the “Most ready-made meals prepared in 24 hours”. This record-breaking event was powered by over 400 volunteers from all walks of life. Students, parents, and staff from Thomas Franks, City Harvest, and Somerset County Cricket Club worked hand in hand. Their initial goal was to prepare 60,000 meals, but they surpassed expectations by delivering 79,500 meals.
This massive effort saw over 400 volunteers banding together to combat food waste and feed those in need. It wasn’t just about the numbers—it was about making a lasting impact on the community and reducing food waste in a meaningful way.
400 Volunteers, One Record-Breaking Goal
The volunteers worked tirelessly in shifts around the clock, preparing nutritious meals using surplus food. From 12 a.m. until midnight, the atmosphere was one of hard work and community spirit, with every person contributing to the success of the challenge.
Raj Singh, Director of Charity at Thomas Franks, celebrated the collaboration, saying, “Working with our Big Cook Challenge partners and volunteers, we’ve proven the power of collective action to reduce food waste and help those experiencing food poverty.”
Surplus Food Saves the Day
One of the most remarkable aspects of the Big Cook Challenge was its exclusive use of surplus food. The event saved 30 tonnes of high-quality food from going to waste. Donations from restaurants, supermarkets, and even farmers provided the ingredients. Among the surplus were 10 tonnes of tomatoes, three tonnes of cabbage, and two tonnes of peppers.
Raj Singh noted, “This food would otherwise have ended up in landfill or back in the fields. Instead, we’ve turned it into fresh, nutritious meals for people who need them the most.” This achievement underscores the importance of food rescue initiatives and how surplus food, when handled correctly, can help combat food insecurity.
Mary Parsons, Head of Food at City Harvest, emphasized the impact of the event: “We’re passionate about rescuing food that would otherwise go to waste. Through this challenge, we’ve been able to use it to create wholesome and delicious meals for people facing food poverty this winter.” Her words reflect the challenge’s mission to make a real difference for individuals and families struggling with food insecurity.
Feeding Local Charities and Communities
Sixteen local charities and community groups, including Taunton Food Bank, Love Somerset, and United Reformed Church Glastonbury, were direct beneficiaries of the challenge. Volunteers packed the meals in boxes and distributed them using a fleet of vehicles. These freshly prepared meals will provide relief to people in need across Somerset.
Raising Awareness of Food Waste
The Big Cook Challenge wasn’t just about setting a world record. It also aimed to raise awareness of the growing issue of food waste. The event used only surplus food that was perfectly edible but would have otherwise been discarded. By transforming these ingredients into meals, the challenge highlighted the massive potential of food rescue.
Mary Parsons explained, “We’re so grateful to our donors who continuously support us by donating their surplus food. Events like this remind us that, as a community, we can work together to ensure no good food goes to waste.” The challenge demonstrated how collaboration between food businesses, charities, and volunteers can reduce waste while addressing food poverty.
Guinness World Record Success
A GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ adjudicator was present to verify the success of the challenge. The Big Cook Challenge now officially holds the world record for the most ready-made meals prepared in 24 hours. The previous record was smashed by nearly 20,000 meals, marking a major achievement for everyone involved.
Students and volunteers packed and labelled the meals, gaining hands-on experience in fighting food poverty. Alex Kemp, Deputy Head at Wellington School, praised the students’ involvement: “The challenge highlights the positive impact young people can make on wider society. Our students gained valuable lessons on social responsibility and reducing food waste.”
Community Spirit Shines Bright
The record-breaking success of the Big Cook Challenge was driven by community spirit. Volunteers, students, and staff all worked side by side to tackle food poverty and reduce food waste. Caroline Herbert, Commercial Director at Somerset County Cricket Club, shared her pride in being part of the challenge: “As a club, we are committed to supporting our local community. Partnering on this initiative allowed us to make a genuine impact.”
This collective effort not only delivered 79,500 meals to those in need but also showcased the power of working together. It provided a shining example of what can be achieved when communities unite for a cause.
A Brighter Future Together
The success of the Big Cook Challenge will hopefully inspire other communities to take action. Raj Singh spoke of the challenge’s long-term impact: “This wasn’t just about breaking a record. It was about creating a more sustainable and compassionate future. We hope this encourages others to join the fight against food waste and food poverty.”
City Harvest, Thomas Franks, and Somerset County Cricket Club demonstrated the potential for change when people come together for a shared goal. By rescuing surplus food and distributing it to local charities, they’ve made a lasting difference for thousands of individuals and families.
The Big Cook Challenge proves that with determination and teamwork, even the biggest problems like food waste can be turned into opportunities for positive change.
The Big Cook Challenge not only set a new world record but also set a standard for how communities can come together to tackle food waste and hunger. Through this event, thousands of people in need will have access to nutritious meals this winter, and countless volunteers gained valuable experience in creating a more sustainable future.
Interested in learning more about the Big Cook Challenge and its incredible impact? You can check out some of the articles covering the event below:
