{"id":143909,"date":"2016-05-05T00:52:11","date_gmt":"2016-05-04T14:52:11","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/?p=143909"},"modified":"2020-10-15T13:06:45","modified_gmt":"2020-10-15T03:06:45","slug":"qcwa-unveils-a-country-kitchen","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/2016\/05\/05\/qcwa-unveils-a-country-kitchen\/","title":{"rendered":"QCWA Unveils A Country Kitchen"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\"\"<\/a>
QCWA Country Kitchens nutritionist Bella Maugeri and Janelle Reeves, from Kingaroy, will be running the QCWA Country Kitchens course<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

May 5, 2016<\/strong><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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).<\/p>\n

Twenty participants will take part in a two-hour hands-on workshop where they will learn cooking skills, have fun and make a\u00a0 delicious, healthy meal to either eat straight away or take home.<\/p>\n

The local program was launched at the Kingaroy Show at the weekend.<\/p>\n

It is part of a much wider three-year program being run by the QCWA in at least 80 communities across Queensland.<\/p>\n

Nutritionist Bella Maugeri told southburnett.com.au<\/strong> the aim of the project was to increase fruit and vegetable consumption.<\/p>\n

“We are following a community capacity-building model with hands-on workshops,” she said.<\/p>\n

The cost for the five sessions is $50, which includes the ingredients and the meal plus a shopping bag, apron, tea-towel\u00a0 and nutrition information.<\/p>\n

Bella said the aim was to make the program self-sustaining.<\/p>\n

Money collected will be channelled back into local QCWA branches which can decide how it is spent.<\/p>\n

Kingaroy program facilitator Janelle Reeves said that in some areas, community gardens had been established while in others, more courses were organised.<\/p>\n

The workshops are open to men and women,\u00a0 QCWA members and non-members and children (if accompanied by a parent or guardian).<\/p>\n

The Country Kitchens program has five key messages:<\/strong><\/p>\n

1. Get more fruit and vegetables in your meals<\/p>\n

2. Cook at home<\/p>\n

3. Check your portion size<\/p>\n

4. Be aware of sugar in your drinks, and<\/p>\n

5. Sit less and move more<\/p>\n

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.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cBut the consequence of eating fast food on the health of Queenslanders living in rural areas is alarming,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe QCWA is perfectly placed to make lasting changes within their communities. They are an integral part of life in regional towns.<\/p>\n

\u201cHaving their support will ensure tasty and nutritious meals are on the menu.\u201d<\/p>\n

The program is also keen to capitalise on the cooking prowess of QCWA members.<\/p>\n

Members\u2019 talents will be put to use to develop healthy versions of classic QCWA dishes and a “healthy recipe” cookbook is in the pipeline.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

* * *<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Course Program:<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n