Parents Gain Confidence Through Free Cooking Classes
Parents who participated in free cooking classes in Guernsey reported gaining new ideas and increased confidence in preparing healthy, affordable meals for their families.
The sessions were organised by St Martin's Community Centre in collaboration with the Health Improvement Commission and were led by a professional chef. The aim was to assist parents in cooking simple, fresh meals.
Parent Lauren Weller described the classes as a safe environment to "create new things, and just not be scared of cooking and making healthy choices."
"It's all about convenience and this allows me to create something from scratch, with fresh ingredients that I can give my family, and I know my seven-year-old will really enjoy this," she added.
Alex Kosmas, representing the Health Improvement Commission, acknowledged the challenges parents face in finding meals that are both affordable and healthy, while also being quick to prepare.
He stated,
"Parents and carers have a pretty tricky job to get food on the table that is nutritious while balancing busy lives."
Kosmas also highlighted the impact of the current cost-of-living crisis, saying,
"With the cost-of-living crisis at the moment, we need to help parents as much as we can. You're busy, you get back home, the last thing you probably want to do is start chopping up loads of stuff."
He emphasised that making healthy cooking "as easy as possible" could support families in making better food choices.
Chef Lecturer Provides Practical Inspiration
Chef lecturer Rivelino Rodriguez from The Guernsey Institute noted that even professionals find it challenging to come up with ideas for healthy, inexpensive meals. He stressed that parents want their children to enjoy nutritious food.
Rodriguez explained that the project was designed to offer parents inspiration for affordable, adaptable meals that taste good without relying on additives and preservatives commonly found in ready-made foods.
He added,
"The parents now know how to make the recipes, they can try them at home, and if their kids are watching them make it, chances are they are going to want to try it too."
During one session, Rodriguez taught participants how to prepare a stir fry, which provided four portions at a cost of £2 each.
He described stir fry as one of the most affordable and adaptable dishes.
Challenges for Working Parents
Parent Ros de Carteret commented on the difficulties faced by parents who work and have limited time for cooking.
She reflected,
"My mum was a really good cook, we always had meat and vegetables, but she had the time to teach herself. We don't have time to learn everyday cooking, and you go into the shops, and everything is pre-packed."
De Carteret also noted,
"Learning everyday cooking could also help families save money."
Community Centre's Goals and Health Statistics
Rebecca Silk, the operations manager at St Martin's Community Centre, stated that the objective of the classes was to help people develop "real life skills" and encourage them to try new foods.
Guernsey's Healthier Weight Strategy estimates that over 57% of adults in the bailiwick are overweight or obese, and nearly a third of Year 5 children are living with excess weight.
The strategy identifies healthier eating as a key priority.
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Related Internet Links
- The Health Improvement Commission
