get children cooking

Knead, Stir, Taste: A Guide to Getting Kids Cooking

Cooking with kids isn’t just about making meals; it’s about stirring up creativity, whisking in life skills, and baking lasting memories. In Sheffield, we have all the ingredients to turn our little ones into enthusiastic sous chefs. From the home kitchen to the classroom and beyond, getting children interested in cooking is fun, educational and builds stronger communities. In 2025, why don’t we look to inspire the next generation of food lovers and reap the benefits that are as satisfying as homemade pie?

So, why is it so important to get kids in the kitchen? For starters, they’re more likely to try new foods if they’ve helped prepare them. Suddenly, spinach isn’t “eww” but “Ooh, look what I made!” Cooking is also an educational powerhouse. It sneaks in maths through measuring, science through baking, and creativity through experimenting with flavours. Not to mention the invaluable life skills they gain, like how to chop, simmer, and sauté their way to a healthy future. For families dealing with picky eating, the kitchen can be a magical place where preferences shift and curiosity blooms.  Of course, this all boils down to trying to improve the health of our children. 

A 2024 report from Unicef about global food security and nutrition highlights an important finding: children who eat healthier foods during their early years tend to do better in education and financially as adults. On the other hand, when children don’t get the right nutrition, it can hurt their development and make it harder for them to learn. This can hold them back throughout their lives, leading to poorer health and greater inequalities in society.

For parents, getting started might seem daunting, but the key is to start small. Give young children simple tasks like washing vegetables or stirring a pot, while older kids can tackle slicing and seasoning. Yes, it’s messy, and yes, it might take longer—but that’s all part of the fun (or that’s what I like to remind myself when I’ve let my toddler loose in the kitchen). Remember, every splash of sauce and cloud of flour is an opportunity for learning and connection. Turn the experience into a game or creative challenge: can they design the most colourful salad or invent a new sandwich? Letting kids help choose recipes or plan meals also gives them a sense of ownership over what they eat—and makes them more likely to devour it with gusto.

But, I know it’s not always easy. Sometimes, you just don’t want to deal with the mess or have the time when you NEED to get dinner on the table. So playtime can also help pave the way to real cooking adventures. Toy kitchens and pretend food are fantastic, mess-free tools for sparking culinary curiosity. While those early experiences are more about fun than function, they’re laying the groundwork for future confidence in the kitchen.

Parents who want to expand their children’s food education beyond the home have plenty of options in Sheffield. Local organisations like Twiddle Food and Blend Culinary Foundation are doing fantastic work to engage adults and young people with hands-on cooking experiences. Twiddle Food’s Viktoria Garbett offers cooking classes and nutritional coaching to help parents and guardians improve their skills. Blend Culinary Foundation runs workshops and courses on a whole range of cooking styles and crafts. 

Schools also play a critical role in inspiring the next generation of cooks. Programmes like Eat Smart Sheffield, commissioned by Sheffield City Council, are making a real difference by equipping children and their families with the skills and confidence to cook, grow, and enjoy good food. Through partnerships with initiatives like Food for Life, this programme has reached thousands of children across Sheffield. Since its launch in 2019, over 100 teachers have been trained to embed food education into their lessons, while 70% of Sheffield’s children now enjoy Food for Life-certified meals—an impressive 20,000 plates a day!

Growing food is essential for a healthier future. Organisations, like Grow to School, teach children to plant and care for crops, promoting a love for fresh ingredients. And this year, School Food Matters launched the Young Marketeers program in Sheffield. This program allows kids to grow produce to sell at local markets, with profits going to charity. Schools can register their interest by contacting [email protected].

This mission isn’t just for parents and schools; the government also plays a crucial role in prioritising food education. Cooking and growing should be part of the national curriculum, with funding for programs that provide nutritious meals for everyone. Organisations like Bite Back are advocating for changes in the food system to improve youth health. By investing in food education today, we equip future generations to eat well, live well, and support sustainable food systems.

Here in Sheffield, we’re lucky to have a vibrant food community passionate about nurturing young talent. From hands-on cooking classes to school-based initiatives and community gardening projects, there are countless opportunities to inspire children. By collaborating—parents, educators, and policymakers—we can ensure that the children of Sheffield grow up with a passion for cooking and an appreciation for the value of good food.