Over the next two months, Deli Kitchen (which is owned by Signature Flatbreads) and Rethink Food will introduce children to a world of global flavours through hands-on workshops in schools and community clubs.
Starting with a pilot in Yorkshire, the first 11 workshops will allow more than 140 children to prepare meals, try new ingredients, complete interactive quizzes and take home a challenge to continue their food exploration with their families
A total of 20,000 breads will be donated throughout the National School Pantry Network, while online resources and parent-friendly guides will be created as part of the scheme. Following the summer programme, Deli Kitchen will continue supporting Rethink Food with its goal to deliver 10 million hours of education before 2030.
According to the Department of Health and Social Care, fewer than one in ten children currently eat their five-a-day, while one in three children are growing up in poverty. And the early workshops appear to be having an impact, with 92% of children trying something new and 74% ending the workshops feeling confident to try new foods.
“Every child should have the chance to be curious when it comes to food,” said Tim Wittekind, head of brand, NPD and innovation at Deli Kitchen.
“And, more importantly, everyone should also be able to enjoy healthy food. Our hope is that we’re combining the two and allowing kids – firstly in Yorkshire, before we roll out nationwide – to learn more about nutrition in a fun way.
“We’re all about making food more fun and encouraging our shoppers to try new things. And our new partnership with Rethink Food embodies this for those who need it most.”
Nathan Atkinson, co-founder of Rethink Food, added: “Right now, thousands of children in the UK don’t have access to food variety, with very few getting their 5-a-day into their diets. This directly impacts not only the child, but the parents too, who face a huge amount of unfair judgement daily.
“The Curious Kids Club is giving children the tools and experiences to engage with food positively, empowering families to make healthier choices, without any of the pressure.”
