Cooking up Connections

In North Canterbury, a group of our Enliven members came together for an eight-week cooking programme, but it wasn’t just about the food.

Hosted by Karen from Puāwai Kai, with support from our Programme Facilitator Jo, each session began with morning tea and lively conversations about meal planning, budgeting, and food safety.

These skills are especially important at a time when grocery prices are high and wasting food simply isn’t an option. For older adults, safe food storage and preparation can also make a big difference to health.

Together, cooking up connections

Budgeting tips were practical and easy to put into practice, checking the pantry before shopping, buying seasonal produce, looking out for specials, writing a list (and remembering to take it!). 

Each week the group paired up in the kitchen to create tasty, affordable meals. Dhal proved a crowd-pleaser, while the sweet and sour chicken with vegetables was just as well-loved.

“There hasn’t been a dish I haven’t liked. Each week we get to try something new, and there’s always something to learn and take away.” One member shared.

The programme took place in the newly renovated kitchen at John Knox Church, right next door to our North Canterbury Centre. With great food, good company, and plenty of laughs, the programme left people with new skills, more confidence, and new friendships, proof that cooking together is about so much more than what’s on the plate.