Helston & Lizard Peninsula Children's Centre

The aim is to encourage parents/carers to cook or prepare a healthy dish or snack with their children, encouraging them to allow their children to make healthy choices.  The children are able to prepare the food items as much as they are capable with adult support where appropriate or necessary.

The food project started in May 2008, working with adults and children, making things such as Fruit Kebabs, Spaghetti Bolognaise, Gruffalo Crumble, Snazzy Sandwiches and Funky Face Pizzas for example!

John Willoughby who runs the sessions said the best part of the project is seeing what the children produce at the end, children are able to make healthy choices, and Parents have the opportunity to help their child to cook in a safe, stimulating environment where they have time to encourage their child.

Children are learning & developing new skills, learning about different types of foods & get a chance to try new foods and learn about where they come from.  Although it can be sometimes be hard to get the parents to take a slight step back and allow the children to 'make their own', Parents learn new ways of preparing certain foods, so may encourage children to eat food they wouldn't normally like e.g. fruit, by making it more exciting.

These sessions are run by parent consultation, if the parents want/need the sessions, then Helston & Lizard Peninsula Children's Centre will bring it to their area, anyone who is involved in the life of a child is invited along.  They are currently running in various venues over 4 week periods.

John added ‘thank you so much for your funding and support for our projects, it has made it so much easier to run our groups and made them more successful.  Can't wait to get on your Get Cooking Training in December to get more unique ideas to try out in our groups.

If you would like more information, please contact John on 01326 564016 or 07527 470360 or email at jwilloughby@cornwall.gov.uk