Cook It Up
Cooking at School
Learning to prepare food builds self-esteem, confidence and a sense of achievement while developing valuable life skills. Students who learn to prepare foods are more likely to try new foods and be more confident in the kitchen, now and in the future.
Follow the 4-step process to take a planned and comprehensive approach to work on this topic.
Getting Started
- Does your school offer cooking opportunities for students (e.g. during class time, after-school programs, special events, cooking clubs, etc.)?
- What kitchen or food preparation facilities do you have access to?
- Do you have access to kitchen equipment and cooking utensils (stove, pots, fridge, hot plate, tables, knives, spatulas, whisks, cutlery, measuring cups/spoons, etc.)
- Are there mentors (teachers, volunteers, student leaders) in the school community that want to teach cooking skills?
- Do you have students that are interested in cooking programs?
Bright Ideas
- Don’t reinvent the wheel. Explore if there is a cooking program that already exists that could be used in your school. Check with your local public health unit for training programs and advice.
- Keep it safe. Always practice safe food handling and kitchen safety. Adhere to the school’s anaphylactic policies and procedures.
- Allow time for the group to sit down and enjoy the food they have cooked together. Focus on the positive aspects of the experience such as learning a new skill or using new ingredients.
- Fundraise to buy new kitchen equipment or utensils or food for the cooking program.
