Chopping, mixing, and tasting their way to healthier habits, over 1,000 children across the county are receiving a practical introduction to the kitchen this summer. Local charity The Friendly Food Club launched its summer campaign at Wareham Family Hub, offering hands-on cooking sessions designed to build confidence with fresh ingredients.
Summer Cooking Sessions Kick Off
The initiative marks the charity’s fourth year supporting the Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) Programme alongside BCP Council and Dorset Council. Funded by the government, the programme bridges the holiday gap for families eligible for free school meals by delivering action-packed day clubs, enriching experiences, and hot, balanced meals throughout the break.
The first session of the summer, run by Purbeck Youth and Community Foundation (PYCF) at Wareham Hub, saw children cook a delicious chicken and vegetable Greek-style pitta, guided by Friendly Food Club tutors Caroline and George.
Children Gain Confidence and Skills
Nine-year-old Albie shared his experience: “I have done cooking with the Friendly Food Club before and I really enjoyed it. Today I learned how to crush garlic with a knife, and I cut up lots of vegetables including courgettes and peppers. The pittas we made were lovely. I was going to take mine home, but I ate it all!”
Layla, also nine, attended for the second time. She said: “The last time I cooked with the Friendly Food Club we made bean burgers and they were really nice, so I knew today would be good. I like to cook and help my dad sometimes. I will be taking home the recipe card with me today so I can make these pittas again.”
Aiden, 12, who aspires to become a chef, added: “I like making pasta dishes like lasagne for my family. My mum and dad both cook but I have taught myself. It’s been good today and what we cooked tasted really good.” Sisters Phoebe and Amber, aged 12 and 9, particularly enjoyed the tzatziki they made with Greek yogurt, cucumber, and fresh mint. Amber rated her creation: “I would give mine nine and half out of ten!”
Partners Praise Programme Impact
Mia Murray, youth and community manager for PYCF, said: “We love hosting the Friendly Food Club. They make healthy cooking so interesting and fun. Many of the children learn how to use kitchen knives safely for the first time and try vegetables they might not have tried before. Everything is provided and the children make a lovely lunch, grow their confidence with cooking, and have a lot of fun doing it.”
Liz Guilmant-Cush, CEO of the Friendly Food Club, commented: “This summer is busier than ever for the Friendly Food Club as we will be cooking with over 1000 children across dozens of HAF holiday clubs and events. The HAF programme is extremely valuable to the health and wellbeing of so many children and being involved is a wonderful chance for us as a charity to engage with children, let them explore their creativity and hopefully inspire them to enjoy healthy cooking throughout their lives.”
Wider Support and Future Plans
Catherine Stark, HAF co-ordinator for BCP Council, noted: “Many children in the BCP Council area have and continue to benefit from activities through the Friendly Food Club. We have seen children grow in confidence when handling and preparing food, and by using child-friendly equipment, children feel safe in this activity. The recipes are modern and easy for children and families to follow. They also use ingredients which can be easily obtainable, meaning that families can incorporate these meals into their family meal planning. Some of our HAF clubs have further embedded cookery classes by purchasing similar mobile cooking equipment to that used by the Friendly Food Club. HAF activity plans have been devised with a heavy element of cooking and nutrition, which supports this fundamental aspect of the programme. We also know that some community groups have been inspired by the Friendly Food Company’s cooking sessions and now provide their own family cooking sessions during school holiday periods.”
Jude Allen, HAF co-ordinator for Dorset Council, agreed: “The partnership with The Friendly Food Club has greatly benefited our community by providing access to nutritious food, cooking workshops, and educational resources. Children have gained valuable cooking skills, learned about healthy eating, and most importantly had fun.”
The Friendly Food Club is also encouraging people to set up their own community cooking groups through its Get Dorset Cooking campaign. For more information, visit the charity’s website. The summer sessions continue across Dorset and BCP, aiming to reach over 1,000 children with the skills and confidence to cook healthy meals.
