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Practical Support, Lasting Impact
At Heidelberg Primary School, Cooking Classes once again showed how food can bring people together.
Families joined for different reasons. Some were new to the community and looking to connect. Others were seeking practical support: building confidence to cook healthy, affordable meals and better manage their grocery budget.
Each session created a welcoming space where families could learn new recipes and skills while feeling a sense of belonging. Cooking and eating together helped build connections that extended beyond the kitchen.
A standout moment came in week three with the chickpea and lentil burgers – an easy, low-cost alternative to meat at a time when many households are feeling the pressure of rising food prices. Families embraced the recipe and felt encouraged to try something new. As one parent told us:
I have always wanted to make them but didn’t think it would be something anyone else in my family would eat. In fact the family did eat them and I made them again and would probably occasionally do so in the future. Fussy-eater ate three bites before she didn’t like it which again, I felt was progress just being open to trying.
Alongside learning new recipes, families also received take-home hampers, helping them put their new skills into practice at home. The hampers made it easier to try new meals without the added financial stress. One family gratefully telling us:
It was very kind of Foodbank to provide take-home hampers. Having some ingredients on hand I guess, in a nice way, forced me to make sure I made some of the other meals or used the ingredients as I don’t want to be wasteful. In this way, we tried numerous recipes that I probably wouldn’t have branched out to, as thinking of ideas and buying ingredients takes time – and not wanting to spend money on recipes that seem risky in terms of rejection.
Beyond their practical benefit, the hampers also reinforced a sense of care and appreciation, contributing to the strong feeling of gratitude evident throughout the program.
What stood out most was the growing confidence of the cooks. Families felt more equipped to make budget-friendly choices and try new foods. The impact reached even further, with one parent inspired to volunteer at the Heidelberg Primary School Breakfast Club, demonstrating the ripple effect within the community.
The success of the Cooking Classes was reflected not only in the meals prepared, but in the relationships formed and the confidence gained.
Testimonials
Parents and staff saw the benefits reach beyond the classroom lessons:
“Thank you so much for such a wonderful cooking program that gave my child a hands-on experience! More than just cooking skills, this program has sparked a genuine interest in our kitchen! Over the weeks we have enjoyed rice paper rolls, pancakes, chips, burgers, spinach potatoes curry and fried rice. She now cooks fried rice (her way) and takes it to school! Your approach to teaching has been gentle and encouraging which made learning a joy!
“It was just a great opportunity to engage our families together over food and have a few laughs together as well.” – Helen, school contact the Cooking Classes.
