May 5, 2016
South Burnett QCWA members have taken up the challenge of trying to improve the health of local residents by offering a five-part Jamie Oliver-style cooking course in Kingaroy.
The QCWA’s “Country Kitchens” program , which is being funded by the State Government and run by accredited dietitians, will kick off next week at the QCWA Hall in Kingaroy Street (see program, below).
Twenty participants will take part in a two-hour hands-on workshop where they will learn cooking skills, have fun and make a delicious, healthy meal to either eat straight away or take home.
The local program was launched at the Kingaroy Show at the weekend.
It is part of a much wider three-year program being run by the QCWA in at least 80 communities across Queensland.
Nutritionist Bella Maugeri told southburnett.com.au the aim of the project was to increase fruit and vegetable consumption.
“We are following a community capacity-building model with hands-on workshops,” she said.
The cost for the five sessions is $50, which includes the ingredients and the meal plus a shopping bag, apron, tea-towel and nutrition information.
Bella said the aim was to make the program self-sustaining.
Money collected will be channelled back into local QCWA branches which can decide how it is spent.
Kingaroy program facilitator Janelle Reeves said that in some areas, community gardens had been established while in others, more courses were organised.
The workshops are open to men and women, QCWA members and non-members and children (if accompanied by a parent or guardian).
The Country Kitchens program has five key messages:
1. Get more fruit and vegetables in your meals
2. Cook at home
3. Check your portion size
4. Be aware of sugar in your drinks, and
5. Sit less and move more
QCWA Country Kitchens program co-ordinator Fiona McKenzie said in some parts of Queensland it was easier to find fast food outlets than fresh fruit and vegetables so maintaining a healthy diet could be challenging.
“But the consequence of eating fast food on the health of Queenslanders living in rural areas is alarming,” she said.
“The QCWA is perfectly placed to make lasting changes within their communities. They are an integral part of life in regional towns.
“Having their support will ensure tasty and nutritious meals are on the menu.”
The program is also keen to capitalise on the cooking prowess of QCWA members.
Members’ talents will be put to use to develop healthy versions of classic QCWA dishes and a “healthy recipe” cookbook is in the pipeline.
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Course Program:
- May 12 – Session 1 – Introduction to the Australian Dietary Guidelines + Frittata and Salad
- June 9 – Session 2 – Less salt more flavour + Minestrone Soup, Crunch Slaw and Spice Taste Testing
- July 7 – Session 3 – Too much of a sweet thing + Sweet and Savoury Muffins
- August 18 – Session 4 – Chewing the fat + Chicken Stir Fry and seven side dishes
- September 15 – Session 5 – Recap + Party Food with a healthy twist
All the sessions will be held at the Kingaroy QCWA Hall (near the RSL Club in Kingaroy Street) from 9:30am for a 10:00am start (duration is two hours).
For more information and to book, phone Janelle Reeves on 0419-861-616 or by email
