Just Cook Tika Tunu programme July 8th, 2024 In May 2024, parents and grandparents from Tamariki Footsteps Community Preschool (Otara) took part in the NZ Nutrition Foundation’s Just Cook Tika Tunu programme, facilitated by Maria Bernard. The 4-session programme, covered nutrition topics such as the food groups, preparing a healthy plate and understanding food labels. Participants also learned how to prepare simple, quick, easy and affordable recipes including lunchbox ideas like vegetable quiches, chilli bean pizza and frittatas. They enjoyed cooking fresh, healthy versions of traditional dishes such as tofu & lentil chop suey and coconut & lentil fish curry. Our participants thoroughly enjoyed the programme and highlighted the value of what they learnt such as using lentils to extend the meals and reading food labels. Post course evaluation showed that the group improved their knowledge of food for themselves and their families as well as improved cooking skills, motivation and confidence to cook. Below are some of the feedback about their experiences: “I think this is such an amazing programme and the opportunity for us parents to get that motivation to cook for ourselves and our little ones. I learnt more skills of how I can use vegetables in my cooking. This has helped me a lot especially for my children at home. Thank you again.” “All of the cooking demonstration is so valuable to me. It will help me to cook for my family especially my grandchildren. They have enjoyed all the meals that I have taken home after our cooking class.” We would like to thank Tui Flower Foundation (managed by Perpetual Guardian) for supporting this programme.
