Can you introduce us to yourself and The Mazi Project?

I am Melanie, the founder of The MAZI Project. We are an organisation in Bristol that nourishes vulnerable 16 - 25 year olds potential. We support care leavers, young young asylum seekers, youth recovering from homelessness and fleeing domestic violence.

We use food as a tool for social mobility, advocacy and a cure to the public health crisis. By delivering our aMAZIng recipe kits and cooking workshops, we use the notion of the dinner table and breaking bread, to reduce isolation, build confidence and make those in need feel cared for and extraordinary.

How important is community to the project?

MAZI means together in Greek and we believe in community led change and that this can only happen if we work together and care for one another. From our volunteers helping us pack every Tuesday to ensure the delivery of over 100 meal kits to young people in need, to the local growers, chefs and businesses like Falcon supporting our work to ensure EVERYONE has equal access to fresh, health and sustainable food, to our aMAZing members, the young people we support who inspire us with their strength, power and kindness every day.

With most of our aMAZIng members, struggling with the feeling of isolation and loneliness, building an inclusive community that they can be a part of is imperative in making them feel loved and safe. This then transpires into improving their self worth and their ability to do what they most value in life.

How do you source your ingredients?

One of the main differences between TMP and some food provision services is that we buy all of our ingredients. We work with local suppliers and wholesalers to ensure that our aMAZIng members have access to high quality and nutrient dense ingredients because if you and I can, why shouldn't they? During the high season, we strive to source at least 70% of our fresh ingredients from small-scale producers within a 20-mile radius, including trusted partners like Fairy Hill, Lush Greens, and Five Acre Farm. Our commitment to responsible sourcing goes beyond supporting local farmers—it’s also an opportunity to educate our members on the benefits of eating seasonally and locally. By making thoughtful food choices, we can collectively strengthen a resilient, localized food system and contribute to the fight against climate change.

What Falcon product do you use the most in the kitchen?

We love Falcon's big sharing platters! I am from Greece and have grown up to share and experience all the different flavours and textures on the table and Falcon products feel like real family homewares, perfect for this!

How does the nature of Falcon products lend itself to how you work?

- At MAZI, these products play a key role in highlighting the beauty of a thoughtfully laid table and the charm of beautifully presented food in gorgeous kitchenware. We believe that creating a memorable, personal experience for everyone starts with the details—and with such lovely products, making someone feel special becomes effortless.