Development chefs programme promoting school meals launched in Salford

A transformative initiative designed to get families making healthy, seasonal, cost effective, fun food choices has been launched in Salford.

The new development chef’s programme has been launched in Salford by Citywide Services – part of Salford City Council.

The programmed intends to kick-off this summer with the intention of providing hands-on across primary schools.

Citywide staff will be helping with menu innovation, training, and vibrant, seasonal recipe development.

The programme echoes the success of Citywide’s ‘Food for Champions’ campaign, bringing food education directly into schools.

The programme will feature whole-class chef demonstrations, where live cookery demonstrations in the school hall – showcasing seasonal, fresh, colourful, vegetables in a range of dishes with multiple tastings.

As well as small-group cook-alongs, with up to eight pupils cooking alongside chefs, learning chef skills, and making nutritious meals following current food trends.

And parent-and-child cooking workshops, that provided interactive experiences to get parents and children cooking together.

The workshops will focus on encouraging healthy eating at home in a budget friendly way while having fun.

Councillor Barbara Bentham, Lead Member for Neighbourhoods, Environment and Community Safety, celebrates the launch, as she said.

“This programme is exactly the kind of engaging programme Salford’s children deserve.

“Our Development Chefs will not only show how cooking can be fun, but they’ll empower children, support kitchen staff, and build lifelong healthy habits across our city.”

Development Chefs will also lead cookery clubs, workshops, recipe innovation, and bring the children’s feedback from the education programme into Citywide’s seasonal school menus.

The programme will also all be in adherence to national School Food Standards and sustaining the Soil Associations Food for Life Bronze Award – which they were accredited with in April. 

And the initiative will also intend to cement Salford City Council’s commitment to public health, education, and sustainable, community-led food practices.

More information can be found here.