News

30th April 2025

How Latcham is Supporting MAZI Project: Nourishing Young Lives Through Food

Breaking Bread, Building Community

In the heart of Bristol, a powerful movement is taking place around dinner tables across the city. The MAZI Project, a youth-led charity founded four years ago, is transforming the lives of disadvantaged young people aged 16-25 through the universal language of food. At Latcham, we're proud to be playing a role in supporting this inspiring initiative.

Born from Necessity

MAZI was founded in response to the Free School Meal scandal of January 2021. When inadequate food hampers provided by the government sparked national outrage, founder Melanie channeled her frustration into action. Rather than simply joining the chorus of disapproval, she created a solution—one meal kit at a time.

Who MAZI Serves

MAZI focuses on young people who face significant challenges:

Care leavers
Young asylum seekers
Youth recovering from homelessness
Those fleeing domestic violence

Through partnerships with approximately 20 charities across Bristol, vulnerable young people are referred to MAZI's programmes where they find not just nourishment, but community.

Latcham's Partnership with MAZI

Our journey with MAZI began when Melanie attended a Peer Group meeting where she passionately pitched the project to local businesses. At Latcham, we immediately recognised the value and potential of MAZI's work and committed to supporting their mission.

Our contribution includes a £2,000 financial donation to help fund their operations, professional print services for recipe cards that accompany each meal kit, and ongoing exploration of potential fundraising initiatives.

Through our print expertise, we've helped transform MAZI's recipes from simple instructions into professional, durable resources that young people can treasure.

MAZI's Two-Pronged Approach

1. Amazing Meal Kits

Every Tuesday, young people receive meal kits, working with local producers ensures the quality and sustainability of each ingredient, supporting both their participants and the local food economy.

“The boxes have completely changed my life. The boxes have changed my confidence. They feed me every day. 'I've gained so many skills and it's kept me going. Being able to keep myself”

Each young person receives their own MAZI ring binder filled with printed recipe cards produced by our team at Latcham. These aren't just recipes—they're professional-quality guides that build confidence in the kitchen. The durable ring binder format allows participants to add new recipes over time, creating a personalised resource they can rely on for years to come. This tangible, lasting element of the program represents how skills and knowledge, once shared, become permanent tools for independence.

2. Education Programs

We offer monthly supper clubs where connections are forged, cooking classes that build skills and confidence, and longer programs that open doors to employment opportunities.

''I'm eating more and better, so I'm less depressed, and then I can do more things. I love unpacking the boxes - it's really cute. It's lovely to think that people have taken the time to pack it all so nicely, it feels like a gift. Especially if you don't have family here - it makes me feel like I'm not left alone.''

Making a Difference Together

With support from Latcham and other partners, MAZI has:

Supplied 350 young people with nutritious meal kits
Delivered over 120,000 meals to those in need
Witnessed remarkable improvements in health and wellbeing
Seen firsthand the powerful impact food has on mental health

''I feel better about myself, and it gives me something to do in the house, which can be fun. I don't leave the house, so having something to do from home is really important.''

Callum's Story

Take Callum, for example. Struggling with severe anxiety, he initially couldn't bear to leave his home. When first introduced to MAZI's 'Nourishing Cooking Course,' he was hesitant to participate. But with gentle encouragement, he took that first brave step.

Today, these weekly cooking sessions have become the highlight of Callum's week—a testament to how breaking bread together can break down barriers.

“MAZI is the only organisation which supports me.”

Why Latcham Supports MAZI

At Latcham, we believe in using our resources and expertise to make a meaningful difference in our community. MAZI's approach aligns perfectly with our values of:

Supporting local initiatives with sustainable impact
Using our print and design capabilities to enhance important community work
Investing in the future of young people in Bristol

By providing both financial support and practical resources through our print services, we're helping MAZI create not just meals, but lasting impact.

MAZI's Mission

MAZI envisions a Bristol where fresh, nutritious, and sustainable food is accessible to everyone. By collaborating with Bristol's independent food sector, local community members, and partner charities like Latcham, they're creating inclusive environments where vulnerable young people can experience the power of food and feel part of Bristol's thriving community.

How Others Can Join Latcham in Supporting MAZI

MAZI is growing, and needs ongoing support to reach more young people in need:

Financial contributions to fund meal kits and programs
Introductions to companies and organisations interested in supporting their cause
Participation in their upcoming crowdfunding campaign

Beyond our own contribution of £2,000 and print services, Latcham is proud to stand alongside other donors who have contributed a van, insurance, mentoring, and £15,000 in additional funding.

MAY FOR MAZI: The World Hunger Day Campaign

On the 1st of May, our charity partner, the Mazi project, is launching their biggest crowdfunder yet! With the ambitious goal to raise £35,000 – with £25k coming from online support and £10k from offline initiatives before World Hunger Day on the 28 May. At The MAZI Project, the team believe nutritious food is a basic right — not a privilege. But right now, across the UK, too many young people are going hungry. Many are struggling with mental and physical health issues, stopping them from thriving. We are asking YOU to join MAZI this May to help empower marginalised 16 - 25 year olds with the right ingredients and skills to increase their confidence, improve their mental health and support them in finding opportunities.

To find out more or to get involved, visit - https://localgiving.org/charity/the-mazi-project

Join Our Table

We use the dinner table and the act of breaking bread together to reduce isolation, build confidence, and make those in need feel cared for and extraordinary. At Latcham, we're proud to support MAZI in this mission, and we invite other businesses to join us.

"I strongly believe and feel that sharing food and cooking for people or being cooked for is a sign of love. The dining table is an opportunity for connections to be made, to feel included and to feel taken care of. This is MAZI's aim; to spread the love we all need to those who need it most." — Melanie, Founder of MAZI

To learn more about how Latcham supports community initiatives like The MAZI Project, or to inquire about joining us in supporting this cause, please contact our team.