PICTURES: Budding Leitrim cooks learn life-long skills in Tesco programme

Over thirty young Over thirty young Leitrim students have been learning real-life cooking skills over the past few weeks. Photos by Brian Duignan. 

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Tesco Ireland has launched Stronger Starts Cooks, a brand-new, free six-week programme aimed at supporting children’s health and wellbeing. 

St. Mary’s National School in Aughnasheelin, Co. Leitrim is currently taking part in the Stronger Starts Cooks programme, which will see 34 pupils involved.  

Delivered mainly to 5th class pupils (with flexibility for 4th and 6th), the six-week experience includes a hands-on cooking workshop and lessons in food science, food safety and healthy eating.  

Among the highlights is a visit to a local Tesco store, where students explore the journey of food from farm to shelf, take part in a budgeting challenge, enjoy food sampling sessions, and getting to see behind the scenes of a busy shop environment. 

Delivered by educational specialists Real Nation, the pilot programme has already received overwhelmingly positive feedback, with the majority (95%) of pupils saying they enjoyed the experience.  

Natasha Adams, CEO of Tesco Ireland was proud to announce the new cookery-based programme: “This programme has the potential to transform children’s eating and cooking habits, delivering Tesco’s long-standing ambition to play our part in building thriving communities nationwide. We know that the kitchen can be one of the most powerful classrooms, and with Stronger Starts Cooks we’re supporting children in building real-life skills that will serve them far beyond the school gates. From learning how to prepare simple meals to understanding budgeting, nutrition and where their food comes from; we are giving kids the tools to make informed choices for a healthier future”.   

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