Starting this summer, FEAST families can take part in North Yorkshire Council’s Family Cooking Classes with the Adult Learning team. The best bit? They’re free!
We caught up with some of the families taking part in the very first session, which was hosted by FEAST activity provider Inspire Youth in Knaresborough.
Lianne Bennett is mum to Layla, 9 and found out about the classes through Inspire Youth. “It seemed like something a bit different to try together” she explained, as they prepared healthy wraps for lunch.
Layla is certainly enjoying the experience. She shared: “I’ve tried loads of new flavours I’ve not had before, like the hummus and the salsa – it’s been great.”
The family cooking classes are new, and are offered by the Adult Learning team at North Yorkshire Council. Each one aims to encourage parents and carers to enjoy cooking healthy food with their children.
Helen Metcalfe, from the Adult Learning team at North Yorkshire Council explained:
“It’s been great to see how much everyone has enjoyed it, and for them to feel the benefit of that time together, preparing healthy food.”
Like Lianne and Layla, Knikita Davis and her son Jasper have had fun too. Knikita shared: “It’s been really nice having the time together just us, and to see Jasper having that independence to cook.”
As Jasper sees his homemade pizza come out of the oven, just in time for lunch, he comments: “I’m proud of what we’ve made today, and I’m really happy with how everything has turned out”
North Yorkshire Council hopes to roll out more of the classes during school holidays in future. Demand for the sessions is already high. Jess Ward, CEO and founder of Inspire Youth, attended the first class with her daughter Violet, and explained that lots of people were interested.
“We’ve not offered anything like this before for families. The children all learned a lot today and tried something new, which was lovely”
She added: “For me, it’s been a really nice opportunity for Violet to show me the skills she has. At home it’s always a rush or someone’s got to go somewhere. Here she’s got the time, and she can do things independently. It’s also just something new to do together.”
Violet agrees:
“I’ve really enjoyed spending time with my mum here today, because I don’t always get that opportunity with a little brother around. I’ve learned some really good new skills, like how to chop a pepper, and I’ve enjoyed cooking for other people.”
For more information about the classes that Adult Learning has to offer, visit the North Yorkshire Council website.