Year 10 catering students spent the morning learning about ‘Food & Fuel’ and how nutritious meals can be produced efficiently and keeping the cost of food down whilst maintaining the delicious taste of healthy cooked food. Students had the opportunity to put this into practice as they were tasked with producing meals cooked in air fryers. Students excelled at the task and delivered delicious veggie burgers and fries.

The project, run between Cadent, UK Power Networks and UKHarvest, aims to reach up to 20,000 students and their families in 70 schools across the East of England. The project also aims to support the financial and physical wellbeing of young students and their families by offering workshops, lessons, web-based assemblies and online cook-alongs.

“This was a lot of fun, especially making a veggie burger because I had not done that before. It was interesting to discover the ingredients that are used, I didn’t realise a small burger could contain so many nutrients. Sarah and Sian were really kind and helpful.” Okolo.O

“It was the first time I had made a meal using a vegan recipe and it turned out a lot tastier than I thought it would. The UKHarvest team have a very clear message that cooking efficiently saves waste which saves money. They also encouraged us to try new foods like beans and fresh greens. I really enjoyed the cooking class and hope to do another one soon.” Eluney.B.F

“This was such a great experience, so much so that I now have a passion for cooking! I learned many things including how to make delicious food in an air fryer.” Flaviu.C

“I enjoyed making a vegan burger it was fairly straight forward.  The ingredients used are a lot healthier than using meat and the cost is a lot lower at just 22p. Sian and Sarah gave some really good advice about looking in your cupboards for alternative ingredients rather than heading straight to the shops. UKHarvest are a very important charity that saves unused food by distributing to others who need it.” Leo.O

As part of the project, our guests very generously donated 15 air fryers and 15 slow cookers to the school’s catering department to use for future lessons.

For more information about the Food & Fuel project please visit:
www.ukharvest.org.uk/food-and-fuel

Food & Fuel is hosting a live Cookathon at 10am on 29th March and is encouraging schools to sign up, everyone is welcome! Find out more at https://www.ukharvest.org.uk/education/food-and-fuel

Click here to view photos of the lesson.