LOW-COST COOKING CLASSES

I loved how the children learned without even realising

Nikki Talbot, 45, Pudding and Pie, Sutton Cold ield

Nikki’s twin sons Charlie and Tom arrived prematurely at 25 weeks, and sadly, two months later, Tom passed away. “The loss pushed everything into sharp perspective. Charlie came home, but remained very small. I began learning about nutrition to nurture him – and later, our younger son Louie – with good food.

“When the boys were four and six, I took voluntary redundancy and used the money to set up Pudding and Pie, teaching children how to cook nutritious food in schools and nurseries.

“I loved how the children learned without even realising, picking up soft skills, like socialising and boosting their confidence, as well as science and maths.

“I have helped Sta€ordshire City Council to reduce obesity and increase nutritional awareness, and I help identify the barriers people on low incomes feel they have in eating healthy food. I’ve created a host of simple value-for-money recipes as well as batch-cooking tips being rolled out on an app. I also run video lessons for carers and teachers to help them with better nutrition because this is where education is so needed and e€ective.

“I love seeing the confidence grow in the children and adults who attend my cooking classes.” puddingandpie.org.uk

@puddingandpielimited

Nikki teaches in schools and nurseries NIKKI’S ADVICE “Know your ‘why’. Why are you doing this? Do something you love, and it’ll never feel like work again.” Nikki began learning about nutrition for her family’s well-being