Inspired by a friend’s struggle to find suitable recipes due to dietary restrictions, three students from Ōtūmoetai College have created an incredible resource for inclusive cooking. Year 12 students Chelsea Williamson, Saige McDonnell, and Olivia Antcliff have launched a new website dedicated to providing easy, fun, and accessible recipes for people with allergies, intolerances, and various health conditions.
The trio, who have been best friends since primary school, were motivated by a desire to make a difference. “We wanted to create a platform that made inclusive cooking easy, fun, and accessible to everyone,” said Williamson, who served as CEO and handled the website’s coding and development. The team saw firsthand how their friend often felt like a burden when baking or sharing meals, and they were determined to create a sense of belonging for those with similar challenges.
“Food is such an important part of people’s lives, and we believe everyone should have the chance to enjoy what they eat without worrying about allergies,” added Antcliff, the CFO and sales manager. The website’s core feature is an advanced filtering system that allows users to instantly find recipes that fit their specific needs, from dairy-free to vegan, keto, or nut-free. This puts dietary needs front and center, a major departure from most general recipe sites.
A standout aspect of their project is the focus on community. The website will allow users with a monthly subscription to submit their own beloved recipes, fostering a sense of shared knowledge and support. “This is what gives our website a sense of community and inclusivity,” said McDonnell, the marketing and digital manager. The students are also exploring future collaborations with local chefs and nutritionists, including a dream partnership with well-known Kiwi chef Chelsea Winter.
Despite facing initial challenges, such as a lack of knowledge in coding and navigating payment systems, the trio persevered. They learned through tutorials and AI, demonstrating remarkable resilience and a commitment to their vision. Their dedication has already paid off, with more than 30 people signing up for launch notifications at a recent Young Enterprise Expo. This innovative and compassionate project is a shining example of how young people can use their skills and creativity to build a more inclusive and joyful world.
Photo: Ōtūmoetai College year 12s Saige McDonnell, Olivia Antcliff and Chelsea Williamson. Photo / Brydie Thompson
