Ainsley has been teaching East London Scouts how to rustle up a variety of tasty dishes.
Cooking remains one of the most valued life skills and research shows that 90% of young people think it is important to cook and prepare their own food.
Despite this, 55% of young people are not confident cooking a meal for themselves or others, highlighting a major skills gap in the younger generation
The Scouts, with the support of HelloFresh have today launched a new Chef’s Badge updating a core Scouting skills for modern life. Scouts are learning how to follow recipes confidently, practice good food storage and meal planning, understand good nutrition, develop new kitchen skills and gain independence through preparing their own meals.
Marion Vosper, aged 11, a Scout who trialled the badge, said: “I loved trying the new Chef’s Badge. I learnt so many new skills like how to chop properly and make a meal from scratch. I didn’t realise how much difference the right portion size makes. I’m excited to try the recipes again at home.”
Ainsley Harriott, respected Chef and food education enthusiast, said: “It’s absolutely brilliant that HelloFresh is partnering with Scouts in order to encourage them to develop their taste in food. Cooking is one of the greatest gifts you can give a young person. When they learn how to chop, stir, taste and portion properly, you can see their confidence grow. Scouts already do brilliant things with food; this badge gives them even more reason to get stuck in.”
The Scouts offers more than two hundred activities, from outdoor adventures and creative arts to community projects and technical challenges. Whether it’s hiking, building robots, or launching a social action project, the volunteers provide children with a safe, supportive place to grow.
Whether you have a young person wanting to go on an adventure, or you’re an adult wanting to help create these adventures – click here https://www.eastlondonscouts.org.uk/home to find out more
