The Mission

Cook, Share & Mingle aims to create a community-based platform where students can share home cooked meals, discover new cultures, and form possible long lasting real-life connections. By allowing users to post and share extra portions at affordable prices, we address three major issuses faced by young people living away from home: loneliness, food waste, and affordability. The platform is built around trust, social interaction, and sustainability, making cooking not just a chore but a shared experience.

The Challenge

Moving to a new country is challenging and isolating. Making new friends and adjusting to a new culture can be really frustrating. On top of this, managing daily tasks and dealing with chores like grocery shopping and cooking could feel overwhelming. At the same time, tons of edible food is wasted because people often cook more than they can eat. There’s currently no simple, safe, and affordable way for students to share homemade meals and connect with others over food. We understand and are willing to provide a solution to ease the process.

The solution

Our solution is a digital platform (mobile app or website) where students can share their home cooked meals locally. A user can post a meal with a photo, price (e.g., €3-5 per portion), and details such as the sentimental value or story behind the recipe, alongside its ingredients and allergens. Other students nearby can join to share the meal. The platform emphasizes cultural exchange, reduces food waste, and helps students earn small income while connecting socially. Users can rate meals and hosts to build trust, and community rules ensure transparency (e.g., accurate descriptions, report option for misleading posts).