Launched in 2017 by Healthier Fleetwood – a scheme designed to “improve the health and well being of residents by encouraging individuals to take more control” – the award challenges year five pupils to plan and cook a three-course menu for their ‘hero’, at no more that £10.
Recognising the impact that it could have on ‘the long-term health and well-being of the community’, the Fleetwood Young Chef Award is funded by the local NHS and a grant from The Savoy Educational Trust.
It is supported by chefs at The Grove and former head executive chef, Harry Lomas, who were all filmed for resources. This includes a printed workbook and recipes that all pupils receive and can access at home, hoping to spearhead “positive change in the life of the children and their families”.
Competition judge Dr Mark Spencer, from Healthier Fleetwood, commented: “The Young Chef of the Year is essentially about improving nutritional knowledge and cookery skills for the children that take part.
“Cookery is a life skill and coupled with healthier eating choices, will bring lifelong health benefits for our children. Much more than that though, it’s also about raising children’s aspirations, opening their minds to new experiences and new possibilities.
“Being a judge at our final was one of the most rewarding experiences of my medical career and I’m already looking forward to next year.”
With the second competition having just finished, founders are keen to raise awareness of the competition and launch it in more schools across the UK in order to teach kids chef skills, where food comes from and about healthy diets.
Due to its success to-date, a more generic Young Chef Award is ‘being made available to all UK primary schools’ Healthier Fleetwood said, with interest in Dudley, wider Lancashire, Hertfordshire, London Boroughs and Limerick.
The University of Central Lancashire has also agreed to undertake an assessment of the ‘educational and social impact’ of the initiative.
To get involved or for more information, visit: http://youngchefoftheyear.co.uk/ or email: info@thefoodteacher.co.uk.