REAP started an education program last week in Port Macquarie which focused on healthy eating habits in conjunction with OzHarvest - a non-denominational food charity that rescues good excess food which would otherwise be thrown away.
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The nutrients, education, sustenance training program (NEST) teaches people in need across Australia the skills and knowledge to nurture themselves through guidance on healthier eating choices and food preparation behaviours.
Reap Port Macquarie-Hastings manager, Katrina Humble, said the length of the program could have been fitted into one or two days, but will run for two hours, one day a week for the next five weeks. "We felt the kids would get more out of it this way," she said.
One of the many aims of NEST was to improve knowledge about and skills for low cost, nutritious healthy eating choices and minimising food waste, including using leftovers.
"In three years I've rescued about 17,000 kilos of food," Ms Humble said.
The program also aimed to break down barriers associated with food planning and preparation which allowed people to enjoy the nutritional and social benefits of sharing a meal.
"This course might give the kids confidence to apply for jobs because we're teaching them cooking skills and after it they'll know they have the ability," she said.
Ms Humble said the benefits of the program was far-reaching and worthwhile for all involved.
"I heard it worked in Sydney so we thought we'd try it here," she said.
"Some of these kids are used to sitting at the hub and just doing English and maths all day.
"It's something very different for them, but it's important because it's practical and allowed the kids to get their hands dirty.
"Not only does it give them the confidence and skills to apply for jobs, it means they can use these skills at home."
The program will also provide additional opportunities for suitably skilled volunteers to engage with OzHarvest's cause - especially exposing students studying nutrition to the issues surrounding food insecurity.