Aramark chefs take cookery courses to Sure Start centres

Aramark chefs have launched a series of cookery courses for parents at seven Sure Start centres in deprived areas of major cities including London, Manchester and Liverpool.

In addition, the contract caterer will be engaging with nearly 50 schools to help push British local sourcing as part of British Food Fortnight.

The company's chefs are leading a series of cookery sessions with parents using the centres, leading up to a large family feast during the fortnight itself. The goal of the sessions is to help teach parents how to cook, where to buy healthy British seasonal food and how to incorporate five-a-day into their family's meals.

The events are backed by the launch of Aramark's Great British menu and recipe card to inspire home cooking and the use of local produce across its customer base. The recipes include British favourites such as Fisherman's Pie, Parsnip Soup and Bread and Butter Pudding.

Val Carter, Aramark corporate responsibility director, said that so far the uptake had been impressive. "Sure Start courses have been over-subscribed. The London sessions have had nearly three times as many attendees as was anticipated.

"With home cooking now back on the agenda for consumers it's important for our teams to show just what they can offer in terms of fresh produce, seasonality and creativity. Aramark has a long-standing partnership with British Food Fortnight and has committed to sponsoring until at least 2014."

Sure Start centres in Bristol, Nottingham, Newcastle and Southampton will also be included in the initiative.

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By Janie Stamford

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