Teens to learn healthy choices

ophie Fidoe, 15, of Secret Harbour, Devlin Ireland, 13, of Baldivis and Jessica Pavitt, 15, of Secret Harbour, get busy in the kitchen as they learn about nutritious meals at the U Cook program.

The City of Rockingham is halfway through its six-week U Cook food literacy program, which is aimed at children between 12 and 18 and teaches them how to prepare nutritious food as well as providing education on healthy eating choices.

The pilot program is held at a number of locations across the City and Rockingham PCYC branch facilitator Rachel Davidson said it taught teenagers about nutrition and introduced them to cooking.

“They’ve really been enjoying it and you find these days, kids don’t know how to prepare basic recipes, so we are trying to fill that gap with the program,” she said.

Ms Davidson said the students prepared up to six recipes each week to take home to share with their family.

“All those positive changes are good for the kids and impress those healthy eating values on their parents as well,” she said.

Rockingham Mayor Barry Sammels said the City was thrilled to host the program.

“What we learn over the next six weeks will be applied when the program is rolled out across the State in stages later this year,” he said.

U Cook participant Devlin Ireland, 13, of Baldivis, said he liked learning about nutrition and cooking good meals.