- Benefits:
- Less reliance on highly processed foods
- Learn new skills
- Save money on meals out
- Choice!
- Cook once, eat twice, batch cooking, time-saving tools
- Plan ahead
- Teach children to cook!
There are many benefits to cooking:
- Allows you to control the amount of sauces and seasonings that are added to the food.
- You can make foods that you and your family like and will eat
- You can choose healthy ingredients like: fruits, vegetables, whole grain foods, protein foods (choose protein foods that come from plants more often)
Being able to cook is an important life skill. Having the opportunities to learn practical, hands-on skills, build confidence is an important part of being able to get healthy food on the table. There are many benefits associated with teaching children to cook at an early age:
- They are more likely to continue to cook as they age
- They are more likely to try new fruits and vegetables
Provide opportunities for children to learn food skills. Cooking classes are a great way to do this. Check out the Health Unit’s You’re the Chef program here: www.wechu.org/ytc. This program is great for students in grades 4-12.
Another great way for children to learn key food skills is through gardening. Gardening provides a unique way for children learn about food, nutrition, natural sciences, and many more areas. Pair up gardening with cooking classes for a more engaging experience.