An idea cooked up by the Adelaide University Union (AUU) and City of Adelaide (COA) is helping to deliver skills in the kitchen to university students in need.
The Cooking on a Budget program was created after the AUU's Student Care first became aware of the need to support students' budget management and cooking skills after administering over 3000 food support requests in 2020 as part of the University of Adelaide's Student Support Packages during COVID-19.
AUU Student Care Manager & Senior Education and Welfare Officer Ann Madigan said when COVID-19 restrictions began to take hold in early 2020, it became apparent many students could benefit from cooking education opportunities.
"We work with many students in serious financial need. Some students have never had the opportunity to learn to cook and therefore have relied on processed foods, cheap 'take out' or fast food for the bulk of their meals" Ms Madigan said.
"It is also apparent from anecdotal experience that many students do not necessarily eat takeout by choice – simply they would like to cook for themselves but have not had to previously, and do not know where to start.
"So we wanted to find a way to provide an opportunity for students to learn how to prepare inexpensive, simple, healthy recipes at home themselves."
Fortunately, after reaching out to Council, AUU was able to partner with the Youth-Led Recovery Project, a partnership between headspace Adelaide and CoA, funded by the Department of Human Services and administered by the Local Government Association of South Australia (LGA).
The first class, hosted by student accommodation provider Dwell in mid-July, was designed to help students gain cooking and nutrition skills with the help of Qualified Dietitian, Rebecca Greco. Registrations were promptly filled with all attendees receiving:
· a two hour group cooking session,
· a two course group meal,
· information about the Baptist Care Community Food Hub and the Emergency Relief Program
· and a $25 voucher to Baptist Care Community Food Hub which offers low-priced groceries and essential items for student card holders.
Following the success of the initial cooking class COA is now supporting a second class on Friday 20 August at Urbanest.
Adelaide City Council Community Wellbeing Project Officer, Esme Barratt said the interest in the class was evidence of student need for this program.
"Council is proud to be supporting this initiative that is helping young people, many of whom are living, working or studying in the City of Adelaide," Esme said.
"Young people are so important to the City and by teaching them important life skills this program is helping them to bounce back after what has been a challenging time since COVID hit."
