Join us on FacebookCommunity Cook-Offs bringing families together
The Taita Pomare Anglican Mission Project is using innovative activities to help men from Rimutkaka Prison’s Faith-based unit as they reintegrate into the community. Here is one that is proving very popular:
Following the recent success of its first family Cook-Off, based on Television One's Master Chef programme, the organisation is set to hold another on Tuesday 2 October at St Matthews, Taita from 10.30am to 1.30pm. The last event held in July saw over 60 people sit down together for lunch in a packed-out hall.
The Cook-Off will involve local families and children working together to prepare a main meal and dessert. Not only will the day bring the community together, but it will help to educate families on healthy eating and teach them how to prepare wholesome meals for their children. In this area of Wellington, there are many takeaway food outlets, so enhancing cooking skills is a useful and cost effective alternative for families.
All those participating in the Cook-Off will receive the recipe book, Kai fusion, to take home. The recipes, which are to be used on the day, are all in the book. Each recipe is based on affordable and easily available ingredients, so all families can try them out at home. With this in mind, those families who participated in the last Cook-Off received a food parcel the following week so they could progress their skills and try out other recipes they had sampled on the day.
Students from Learning Connection, a local provider of art education will be producing and printing the recipe book. In the future it is hoped that proceeds from sales of Kai fusion will assist in funding further Cook-Offs.
July's Cook-Off saw Judge, Mary Houston from Holy Trinity, Avalon awarding prizes for co-operative work, participation and perseverance. The winning family received a beautiful whaka huia or treasure container, gifted by Rev Charles Noanoa. This special prize was originally given to Charles by his father. The second prize was two hours free labour from a team of local gardeners to assist in planting a vegetable garden.
As well as fun in the kitchen, the children took part in games organised and assisted by students from the Chilton Saint James School worship team.
Next event: 2 October at St Matthews, Taita from 10.30am to 1.30pm
for more information contact Anne Hannah: 04 471 8590 fundingmanager@wn.ang.org.nz