Families cook up a storm at schools events

Efforts to improve health and wellbeing in two communities in east Perthshire were the focus of a recent pilot project organised by Perth and Kinross Council and national charity Children in Scotland.

PKC and Children in Scotland worked with families in Rattray and Coupar Angus on the project called ‘Food, Families and Fun,’ which aims to enable parents, carers and children to benefit from preparing and eating nutritious, well-balanced meals, during the school holidays.

Over the recent two week break, families enjoyed alternate days of cooking and play experiences at their local primary schools, learning to make dishes ranging from carrot and butterbean soup to tuna and broccoli pasta bake, pizza and spaghetti bolognese, which they can then try out at home.

Up to 20 adults and children per day attended the sessions, which were supported by Tayside Contracts. Children in Scotland also secured funding towards the project from the Gannochy Trust.

Feedback from parents and carers and youngsters taking part in the project was positive.

As well as promoting healthy eating, ‘Food, Families and Fun’ also provided a springboard for adults and young people to gain qualifications and certification in areas including hospitality, food preparation and food hygiene, which can go on to help boost employability prospects and family health and wellbeing.

The pilot project is part of a nationwide programme developed and managed by Children in Scotland, which aims to address food poverty and its links with education and wellbeing by working in partnership with schools and other organisations to meet locally identified needs.

Perth and Kinross Council’s lifelong learning committee convener, Councillor Bob Band, said: “We share Children in Scotland’s vision for children and young people to have the best possible start in life so they can achieve to their fullest potential.

“I’m delighted therefore that we’ve been working together with them on this pilot, with the very welcome backing of Tayside Contracts and the Gannochy Trust to support improved health and wellbeing, and access to greater opportunities in our communities.”

Children in Scotland chief executive Jackie Brock said: “We are delighted to support the school holiday cooking and fun programme in eastern Perthshire.

“The school holidays can be difficult for families, with not only an inevitable increase in household food bills, but also the challenges of finding fun and affordable activities for their children.

“By opening their doors during the holidays, Rattray and Coupar Angus primary schools have helped children and their families have an active holiday, prepare together a nutritious and tasty lunch, and have fun.”