A program designed by Thrifty Foods to encourage pre-teens to eat well, understand how to read recipes and follow nutrition guides is returning to Nanaimo and the Regional District of Nanaimo.
The Young Chefs Program takes place at 19 recreation centres across Vancouver and the Lower Mainland in July and August.
Registration begins in May through recreation centres in the respective locations.
Jim Dores, Thrifty Foods president, said the company has been proudly supporting local recreation centres for more than 20 years.
The program is a full- or part-time, week-long summer camp that teaches kids ages nine-12 how to read recipes as well as learn basic cooking and food safety skills.
Designed by registered dietitians at Thrifty Foods and the Vancouver Island Health Authority, the expanded program also includes extensive leadership training for facilitators, a 12-month recipe calendar as well as pre-teen-specific information on nutrition as well as body, health and wellness awareness.
Each hands-on session is also designed to familiarize young chefs with interesting food choices and delicious taste experiences during the creation of simple and healthy snacks.
The program finishes with a store tour where participants learn how to navigate the aisles, read food labels and select fresh produce.
As part of the program, Thrifty Foods will supply all training materials, cooking ingredients and equipment, and special take-away items such as branded aprons and recipe calendar.
Fees range from $25 for the week-long, half-day class to $50 for the full-time week-long camp.
In Nanaimo and the Nanaimo Regional District, specific dates can be found in local recreation guides.
For more details, please visit www.thriftyfoods.com.