More than 1800 children across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole took part in healthy cooking workshops this summer with The Friendly Food Club.
The charity delivered dozens of sessions during the school holidays as part of the Dorset and BCP Council Holiday Activity and Food programmes, teaching children to prepare and cook their own nutritious lunches. Many of those taking part would normally receive free school meals.
Liz Guilmant-Cush, Chief Executive of The Friendly Food Club, said tutors worked with children and young people in places including Poole, Somerford and Sturminster Newton. She explained that many had the opportunity to cook for the first time and discover new foods.
She added that the charity is now appealing to businesses and charitable trusts to sponsor future sessions, which can help build confidence, cooking skills and resilience to tackle food insecurity.
Nearly half of people across Dorset and BCP live with food insecurity, which can mean skipping meals, worrying about running out of food, or relying on less nutritious meals because of cost.
At the SC Holiday Club at Manorside Academy in Poole, staff said the children enjoyed making wraps and houmous, with many trying the dip for the first time. They described it as a chance for pupils to explore new tastes, gain independence and take pride in creating their own food.
Catherine Stark, who coordinates the BCP HAF Programme, said the sessions link closely to the government’s aim of helping children understand food, nutrition and health issues. She said families also welcomed the cook bags sent home, which encouraged further cooking together.
The Friendly Food Club is now developing an Early Years programme for BCP and planning to extend its accessible cooking sessions to work with more families in the coming year.
Those interested in supporting the charity’s work can find out more by contacting The Friendly Food Club directly.
