A recipe for belonging

When Broadmeadows Special Development School (Sorento Campus) introduced the Cooking Classes program to their community the goal was simple: create a space where families could come together, cook, and share a meal. What happened next was far more powerful than anyone expected.

Each Wednesday, the school kitchen filled with laughter, chatter, and the aroma of something delicious. Parents rolled up their sleeves alongside their children, learning new recipes and discovering ingredients they’d never tried before. For most of the families taking part this was about more than simply cooking together, it was a chance to spend quality time with their children in a setting that was warm and welcoming for them.

The Cooking Classes team, as always, worked hard to make the program inclusive. Recipes were simple, affordable, and family-friendly, so everyone could participate confidently. Families could continue the experience at home with their weekly hampers filled with fresh ingredients, with some recreating the class recipes for their entire household, turning a school activity into a new family tradition.

And the experience didn’t end in the kitchen. After each session, students and families gathered at specially created tables – complete with tablecloths and flower centrepieces – to enjoy the meal they had prepared together. It felt like their own little restaurant. These shared meals became a highlight of the week, reinforcing the sense of community and belonging that the program set out to create.

One parent summed it up perfectly: “It’s been really great. E gets so excited about our special time together on Wednesdays. We’ve even made the recipes at home for her sisters. And the hampers? We love looking through them together – it’s like opening a treasure chest of good food.”

The beauty of the school’s diversity also means that for some, cultural or financial challenges led to feelings of isolation. The Cooking Classes program was a lifeline for them, because it wasn’t just about food, it was also about connection. Parents met other parents, shared stories, and built friendships. For some, this was the first time they’d felt part of a community.

Of course, the students loved the classes too. Every Wednesday they’d be excited to see their parents at school and proud to show off their newly acquired knife and cooking skills. Teachers also noticed that students who usually shy away from new foods were willing to taste, and even enjoy, what they’d made.

From the school’s perspective, the program was a game-changer:

“The parents have really enjoyed coming in, and the children are so excited each Wednesday. One of the best parts is seeing kids try new foods, especially those who are usually averse to it. The hampers are a real treat for families.

“We’re so thankful to be part of this program. The team has done an amazing job adapting it to suit our students. It’s a wonderful initiative!”