case study
Jessica Milburn
Discover how Grub Club helped Jessica and her two boys embrace healthier eating habits, try new foods, and build confidence in cooking from scratch. From improving their diet to forming meaningful community connections, Jessica shares how Grub Club has transformed mealtimes and strengthened her family’s bond.
Finding a Local Solution
Jessica Milburn and her two boys, Tyler (10) and Elliott (8), live in Winnall, an area amongst the 20% most deprived in the UK despite Winchester being one of the most expensive places to live.
With limited local activities available, Jessica discovered the Winnall Grub Club in February 2022 through a friend, Kayleigh. Though she didn’t have high expectations, she decided to give it a try to engage her children in something fun and meaningful
Jessica shared how Grub Club has significantly impacted her family’s eating habits. Before joining, Elliott was reluctant to try new foods, but he now eats a wide variety of vegetables, including spinach, which he says he eats “all the time!”
“Elliott used to eat nothing, but now he eats a lot more and tries a lot more.”
Transforming Eating Habits
This shift has been particularly important since Elliott was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes last autumn, making balanced, nutritious meals even more vital for the family.
Jessica has also gained confidence in trying new recipes and involving her children in meal preparation at home. Grub Club has introduced them to using herbs, spices, and new techniques they’d never explored before.
Her boys enjoy being part of the process, from picking recipes to gathering ingredients, which has made cooking fun and engaging for the whole family.
“I am more confident at home to try new things with the children, as they are much more likely to try new foods. We definitely cook from scratch more and are more adventurous. We never had herbs or spices in the cupboard before, but now we have loads!”
Building Friendships & Community
Beyond food, Grub Club has brought Jessica and her family closer to their community. She and her boys have made friends through the sessions, creating connections that extend beyond the club.
“We have made lots of friends, which has stretched to outside of the club as well. We love the community atmosphere in the room, with conversation stretching across different tables.”
Jessica and Kayleigh now even volunteer at a local children’s play scheme, which they learned about through someone they met at Grub Club.