Children can learn from top chefs from the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts (RACA) at The City of Liverpool College, who have joined the Adopt a School scheme.
Adopt a School is a charity within RACA that helps shape healthier habits thus encouraging children to eat better and help schools to reduce obesity among pupils.
The college runs several courses a year for 11-16 year-olds in the Liverpool City Region after school so they can use the college’s kitchens to learn how to cook and about nutrition.
Chef and RACA member James Holden mentors school children at the college on behalf of the charity, which delivers food education to children in a holistic way, from growing food, preparation, sustainable and healthy eating, food hygiene and hospitality.
The programme relies upon the goodwill of its members, who are trained professionals (chefs and restaurant managers) to volunteer their time and visit schools throughout the UK to encourage participation.
RACA are hoping more colleges and universities will join in the programme to help children become possibly Michelin-starred chefs of the future and live healthy lifestyles with excellent cooking knowledge
Molly Garber, 14, from Childwall, and Lucy Mae D’arcy, 12, from Widnes, took part in classes after school with Chef James Holden and went on to compete in cooking competitions.
Molly, from St Julies Catholic High School beat six other pupils from Wigan, St Helens and Liverpool with her chosen meal, crispy breaded chicken with sweet potato mash, fried courgettes with pesto and salsa.
The confident schoolgirl beat the heat in the kitchen to secure her place in the regional final on 6th February and was presented with a certificate and cookbook.
Lucy, a pupil at The Saint Peter and Paul Catholic College, amazed judges at the prestigious Teflon Diamond Standard Awards in London in the Keen Young Cooks category and came runner-up.
Chef James said: “I work with the college and other schools in Liverpool. While doing this I’ve also established junior chef courses, which run for six weeks after school and the kids come in and learn around a theme, such as pastry, healthy family meals, Christmas and so on.
“What we’ve achieved is keen young cooks coming and learning skills and to cook. They are learning life skills, most importantly. If they go on to work in the industry, that’s a bonus.
“Lucy and Molly are already competing in competitions and that is superb, we have improved their skills and their confidence with food and in the kitchen. Hopefully, other youngsters in the Liverpool City Region will be inspired to join the courses”