“The “Need for Feed Cape York Style “program gives participants the skills and knowledge about healthy eating from a young age to learn about the importance of having practical ways to prevent development of chronic disease and obesity.

“Good nutrition is important for lifelong healthy eating habits,The hands-on cooking program offers participants a chance to taste new recipes, master cooking skills and enhance understanding and enjoyment of healthy foods.”

Apunipima Community Nutritionist Kirby Murtha

Mixing cooking and education makes for a healthy lifestyle according to Apunipima Cape York Health Council. Students at Western Cape College Residential Campus in Weipa have learnt life skills surrounding nutrition thanks to a program, Need for Feed Cape York Style.

Need for Feed Cape York Style is based on Diabetes Queensland’s Need for Feed program, available to schools across the state. Delivered in the Cape, this specific program targets students aged from 10 to 16.

During term 2 of the school calendar, 15 Need for Feed sessions were held at the Weipa campus, offering students the opportunity to cook delicious and healthy meals. Apunipima Community Nutritionist Kirby Murtha said students cooked a variety of meals such as curry, stir fry, pasta and hot cakes and learnt about the importance of healthy meals.

The program gives participants the skills and knowledge about healthy eating from a young age to learn about the importance of having practical ways to prevent development of chronic disease and obesity.

“Good nutrition is important for lifelong healthy eating habits,” Ms Murtha said. “The hands-on cooking program offers participants a chance to taste new recipes, master cooking skills and enhance understanding and enjoyment of healthy foods.” The program covers a series of group-based workshops where participants learn about handling food safety, healthy cooking, modifying recipes, reading labels and healthy food and drink choices.

Need For Feed was delivered by Apunipima in partnership with Cape and Torres Hospital and Health Service Weipa-based dietitian, and school-based nurse.  “Without a collaborative effort from the campus’ teachers, carers and staff, the program would not have been as successful. This program gives students the ability to learn, develop and master skills that they will have with them for a life time.”

For more information about Need for Feed, visit www.needforfeed.org.au