The work, which took place over the summer holidays, was in line with the introduction of Chartwells’ dedicated health and wellbeing programme, Beyond the Chartwells Kitchen, which helps young people, teachers and communities tackle issues like childhood obesity, mental health and lack of exercise.
Richard Taylor, Chartwells’ managing director, said: “We have a moral obligation to help support children and families by providing food and education around health and wellbeing.
“We want to help build a healthier future for children and young people and we will continue developing these powerful partnerships to provide support during school holidays. We’re now looking ahead and planning our work for October half term.”
Part of Compass Group, Chartwells partnered with several organisations, including The Mayor’s Fund for London’s Kitchen Social Programme, Brakes’ Meals & More, Transforming Lives for Good, City of Edinburgh Council and the Norwich Food bank project to educate the children and their families.
The programme reached over 500 children, 75 parents, 85 youth workers, plus volunteers and cooks.
It included sessions such as ‘the super snack challenge’, which challenged children to make their own healthy snacks from scratch and pitch it to their friends and volunteers, explaining the benefits of each individual ingredient.
Kim Chaplain, director of charitable portfolio at The Mayor’s Fund for London, said: “It has been great to have Chartwells support Kitchen Social clubs during the holidays this year.
“They’ve not only delivered fun and engaging cooking workshops for children and parents, but also offered healthy eating education and resources through their team of chefs, food ambassadors and nutritionists.”