The Program:
- consists of one orientation session and six themed cooking sessions
- two different recipes are prepared at each session and can be prepared in under one hour (room set-up and clean-up will take additional time)
- recipes include either a vegetable or fruit
- can be run in a classroom, proximity to water, refrigerator and freezer required
- no stove is required for recipe preparation (electric skillets are used for cooking)
- recipes were selected to develop basic cooking skills and use basic equipment
- cost of preparing two recipes per session is approximately $20 for tasting for 10 participants
- a complete list of equipment, recipes and all the information required to facilitate the program is available on the Facilitator Portal
What some Facilitators have said about the program:
- “would highly recommend this program to any school that is considering implementing it”
- “kids loved it”, “it was “fun”, “many participants appreciated that their friends were here”
- “amazing opportunity for our children and teaches them the responsibilities in the kitchen. They learn the basics to prepare a meal, good kitchen practices and in a structured and exciting way”
- “encourages reading skills, measuring, team work, and skill development”
How to Register
Before registering for a training session please ensure you have:
- Permission to run the program from the appropriate designate in your location
When registering for training please be prepared to answer the following questions:
- The date you will start the Let's Get Cookin' program
- The number of facilitators that will be trained from your location. Please note the ratio of facilitators to participants is 1:5. However, the more facilitators that are trained the easier it is to run the program
To register for training, please call 519-663-5317 ext. 2241.
- NOTE: registration is based on a first come first serve basis.
About the Training
As a facilitator you will need to be able to:
- Understand and interpret the information presented during training
- Read, understand and accurately use the information provided in training and in the Facilitators Portal (e.g., content information, safety information, recipes, shopping list etc.)
- Lead the orientation session and six cooking sessions at your location
- Communicate effectively and provide participants with key information for each session including safety information
Training Sessions
- Offered at the Middlesex-London Health Unit (355 Wellington Street)
- Daytime and evening training available
- Training lasts approximately. 2.5 - 3 hours
- Training is facilitated in English; however, information and recipes available in English and French
At training, volunteers will learn about:
- Program design and facilitation
- Basic food safety
- Healthy eating basics
- Making and tasting selected program recipes
Following the Training Session
- Participants will be sent an email detailing how to access the Facilitator Portal where all information to support the program is available
What will I do as a trained facilitator?
- Purchase equipment to run the program
- Recruit or decide how participants will be selected to participate in the program (if in a school in consultation with principal and/or other staff)
- Ensure consents have been sent home and are returned prior to starting program (store according to school policy).
- Purchase the approved sanitizer and understand how to safely use it to sanitize the room, equipment and dishes (in schools speak with custodian and/or principal)
- Buy groceries for each session as listed in the manual
- Review the manual and plan sessions based on the information in the manual
- Prior to each cooking session clean and sanitize the room where cooking will occur and clean and sanitize the room and dishes and equipment following each session
- Set up the room for the sessions
- Facilitate the orientation session and subsequent cooking sessions
- Keep track of attendance (and store according to school policy)
- Respond to the survey after completion of the series
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