A total of 11 cookery days are being run throughout the district with children being taught a range of skills and given nutritional guidance in order to make healthy food choices.

The sessions are aimed at children in Years Four and Five and are being organised by Mary Reader a trustee of the charity and the founder of the original Christchurch food festival.

Mary is joined by nutritional specialist Diane Thomas and chefs Loic Gratadoux and Colin Nash. Also part of the team is Master’s Degree student Jess Harris from Bournemouth University.

Following an introduction about the importance of eating breakfast children are split into groups. Some learn to chop vegetables safely and the value of including fish in the diet by making a steamed trout dish with vegetables while others are taught to recognise a wide range of vegetables and about how adding spices, juices and sauces to vegetables can improve the flavour. They are also shown how to become Food Detectives and learn about branded foods and the labelling on packaging.

Mary Reader explains: “A major part of our sessions is about the children tasting the food. We always re-group at the end of the sessions and the children tell us what they have learned from taking part. So many children are surprised to find that they do like things that they thought they didn’t like, with the fish often being a favourite food choice! We encourage the children to think about sustainability and encourage them to buy local food and to grow their own fruit and vegetable wherever possible, even if it is having a few pots of herbs outside the back door or on a balcony for those that live in flats.

“It is now fifteen years since we formalised this work by starting this  charity, and although it is hard work to put together, seeing the children respond so well makes it all worthwhile.”