The charity, which promotes healthy eating through fun community cooking, held 19 sessions across the county as part of BCP Council and Dorset Council’s Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) Programme.
At the Cumulus Outdoor Residential Centre in Swanage, 14 children aged five to eight learned to make a rice poke bowl with guidance from tutors Andria, Viv and Caroline.
Scarlett, aged five, said: “I liked cooking with Andria.
“She showed us how to use the sharp knife to cut the carrots without cutting our fingers.
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Friendly Food Club also distributes 600 meals via holiday cook boxes (Image: Supplied) “I squashed garlic and grated the carrot and we used a frying pan to fry the chicken, which was fun.”
Arthur, also five, agreed: “I have never used a grater before and it was fun.
“I would like to do more cooking.”
Kit, eight, added: “I gave the lunch we made ten out of ten, the chicken was the best and I especially liked squashing the garlic.”
The Friendly Food Club was founded by Bridport teacher and restaurateur Tony Gibbons in 2005.
Since its inception, the club has delivered sessions to more than 50,000 participants.
Gemma Edwards, senior instructor at Cumulus, said: “We’re very happy to welcome the Friendly Food Club back today.
“The children really enjoy the classes, and are not only cooking, but are also learning about healthy foods and developing life skills.”
Aside from the HAF sessions this Easter, the Friendly Food Club also distributed 600 meals via 150 cook boxes to families receiving free school meals.
The aim of these boxes is to give ingredients and a recipe to bring families together to cook and enjoy a meal during the holidays.
Catherine Stark, HAF co-ordinator for BCP Council, said: “Since 2023, approximately 1,100 children in the BCP Council area have benefitted from activities through the Friendly Food Club.
“We have seen children grow in confidence when handling and preparing food.”
Jude Allen, HAF co-ordinator for Dorset Council, agreed: “The partnership with the Friendly Food Club has greatly benefited our community.”