Tesco Ireland has launched a Stronger Starts Cooks programme in Co Cavan.
The programme is now rolling out in Cavan, in both Cavan Town and Virginia, providing a six-week hands-on cooking workshop and learning resources for local pupils in each location.
90 pupils at St Clare's National School in Cavan Town are currently taking part while 82 pupils from St. Mary's National School in Virginia participated in the programme last month.
The six-week experience includes a hands-on cooking workshop and lessons in food science, food safety and healthy eating.
Research from the first group of schools shows that almost all parents (94%) believe cooking should be included in the primary school curriculum, while 79% of schools had no prior classroom cooking experience, highlighting a clear gap in practical food education.
Stronger Starts Cooks is a curriculum-aligned educational programme that aims to inspire a lifelong love of food and cooking, encourage healthy eating, and highlight the value of home-made meals to primary school children. Professionally developed in consultation with teachers and the support of a qualified dietician, the programme supports classroom learning while helping children build real-life skills in a fun and memorable way.
