Community
A welcoming place where families, schools and neighbourhoods come together.
Youth-led community dining
More than a meal.A place to belong.
CanTeam brings young people, families and communities together through shared food and activities—turning familiar local spaces into welcoming places to eat, connect and thrive.
Let’s eat& thrive together
AVAILABLE●AFFORDABLE●ACCESSIBLE●APPEALING●●●●●
The idea
Young people bringing communities together around good food.
CanTeam helps young people create and host shared dining experiences where everyone is welcome and everyone has a role to play.
It can begin with one event and grow into a regular local rhythm. The model activates places communities already have—schools, hospitality venues and other welcoming spaces.
What makes a CanTeam
Four ingredients.
One stronger community.
Every CanTeam brings these elements together in a way that works for its local community.
Activities
Simple, joyful experiences designed and hosted with young people.
Nutritious food
We work with food partners to make the food nutritious, delicious and shaped by the four As.
Can-do team
Young people build confidence by taking real responsibility as the CanTeam Crew.
Led by young people
Meet the CanTeam Crew.
Crew members listen, design, plan and host. They take meaningful roles alongside school staff, caterers and community partners, building confidence through contribution.
Crew can be primary- or secondary-aged, with responsibilities adapted to age, confidence and experience.
Explore the complete Crew journey →See CanTeam in action
A dining room can be so much more.
Meet the young people, schools and partners transforming familiar spaces into places where everyone is welcome.
BBC
Featured on BBC Radio 4
Eating Together.
The Food Programme joined CanTeam to explore why shared meals matter—and how school dining rooms can become welcoming places for the wider community.
Listen on BBC SoundsHave lived here four years but now feel part of the community. Cost of living makes me anxious about eating out. This was so helpful.
Parent / carer, Bedford Academy
I have gotten closer to the community and learnt how to be a leader, properly manage my time and be a team player.
Ikram, Year 12 Crew member
5,000+meals shared
20+schools involved
500+Crew members involved
Our 2030 ambition
More CanTeams than McDonald’s.
By 2030, we want there to be more active CanTeams than McDonald’s restaurants in the UK—making welcoming community dining a familiar part of local life.
This is not about creating another restaurant chain. It is about equipping young people and local partners to bring places they already have to life, while protecting the ingredients that make every CanTeam meaningful.
Explore how CanTeam could grow →Created by Future Foundations
Built on 20 years of experience.
CanTeam was created by Future Foundations, an award-winning youth organisation that has worked with young people, schools, communities and partners for more than 20 years.
Its track record includes a Department for Education Character Award, Innovate UK funding, National Citizen Service and co-founding Global Social Leaders. CanTeam was a joint winner of the Big Education Challenge.
Explore our impact, partners and recognition →
The people behind CanTeam
Meet the team.
Meet the people working with young people, schools, food partners and communities to develop CanTeam.
Meet the team →Everyone has a role to play
What role could you play?
Choose the route that sounds most like you. Each CanTeam is made with local people and partners—not simply delivered to them.
01Schools+
Why it mattersStrengthen family engagement, belonging and meaningful youth leadership.
Your roleProvide a Crew, a staff link and a welcoming space; involve your caterer and community.
What you receiveA supported planning process, Crew development, practical resources and evaluation.
Register your school’s interest02Young people+
Why it mattersBuild confidence and skills by making a visible contribution to your community.
Your roleListen, design, plan and host as a Crew member in a role that works for you.
What you receiveReal responsibility, teamwork, reflection and a chance to shape what happens locally.
Ask about starting a Crew03Families and communities+
Why it mattersEnjoy good food, connection and activities in a familiar, welcoming place.
Your roleJoin a meal, share your perspective and help make CanTeam feel right for your community.
What you receiveAffordable and inclusive shared dining, local relationships and a genuine voice.
Find out about CanTeam locally04Caterers, chefs and food partners+
Why it mattersMake good food visible, build relationships and create social value beyond the lunch service.
Your roleCo-design menus, share skills, provide food or ingredients and work alongside the Crew.
What you receiveA practical partnership model, community insight and stories of measurable contribution.
Explore a food partnership05Host venues+
Why it mattersBring underused kitchens, dining rooms and community spaces to life.
Your roleOffer a safe, accessible place and connect CanTeam with local people and partners.
What you receiveA youth-led model for animating your venue without needing a new building.
Explore hosting CanTeam06Community and specialist partners+
Why it mattersCombine local trust and specialist knowledge around a shared table.
Your roleContribute activities, referrals, expertise, volunteers or practical support.
What you receiveA welcoming route to families, collaboration with young people and stronger local connections.
Propose a partnership07Funders and commissioners+
Why it mattersInvest in food access, youth leadership, wellbeing and community infrastructure together.
Your roleFund, commission or help evaluate inclusive local models and their responsible growth.
What you receiveDated evidence, a clear learning approach and an experienced national delivery organisation.
Discuss funding or commissioningThe bigger idea
Could community dining help bring more local places to life?
Explore our thinking on public dining, opening school spaces after the school day and the emerging Future Hub model.
Explore the bigger idea →