I have always been a passionate cook, but as a full-time working mother of three, I also had to make sure I could rustle up quick, easy and nutritious food. Having taught my own children to cook, I quickly understood how important this key skill was and how it could help children and young people through its many benefits. Thus, Cooking Wizards was born!

As covid left its indelible impression on the world, some of the worst affected were young children; Their mental health suffered, obesity was on the rise and food poverty became an increasing reality for many. Families were depending on food banks more and more to feed themselves and their children. Furthermore, as convenience foods, junk food and fast food have become the cheaper option, the trade-off has been the lack of nutrition it provide.

In the UK, 1 in 3 children are now overweight or obese when they leave school, with children from poor areas twice as likely to be obese. This is due to them being unable to access healthier food options as the cost is too high - UNICEF UK

The 2024 report from Lord Darzi on the deteriorating health of children and young people outlines the crisis UK is facing. 1 in 3 children is obese by age 11 in the poorest communities. There is also a significant rise in eating disorders among the young, as well as mental health problems.

The hope is that by teaching young children this key skill, they are able to carry it through their life and build on it to not only feed themselves, but also their families and loved ones to come.

As Lao Tzu, the famous Chinese philosopher, once said, " Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime". This emphasises the importance of teaching a skill that will help to empower a person.