Healthy Chefs: building skills, confidence and healthy habits

Join our Healthy Chefs Program in January 2026 in Parramatta and Campbelltown.

Parramatta

• 6–17 years: 12 & 13 January
• 17+ years: 13 January
• 10am or 1pm (TBC)

Campbelltown

• 6–17 years: 19 & 20 January
• 17+ years: 20 January
• 10am or 1pm (TBC)

Enquire online here.

About the program

Northcott’s Healthy Chefs Program is designed to make learning about food fun, practical and inclusive. Now open to participants aged 17 and above, the program has evolved to offer even more flexibility, hands-on learning and meaningful life skills for young people and adults alike.

Whether participants are chopping veggies, exploring new ingredients or discovering how food fuels their bodies, Healthy Chefs offers a supportive space to build confidence, independence and healthy habits that last.

A flexible, hands-on approach

Each session is built around a simple, delicious recipe. Participants learn about:

• The ingredients used
• Which food groups they belong to
• How they support strength, health, energy and overall wellbeing

While meals are cooking, participants take part in additional activities and games that reinforce nutrition knowledge and healthy eating choices in a fun, accessible way. The program is designed so everyone can learn at their own pace and engage with food in a way that feels safe and enjoyable.

Theme 1: skill building

Healthy Chefs goes far beyond following a recipe. Participants develop real-world skills that support independence, including:

• Teamwork and communication
• Planning and problem-solving
• Measuring and following steps
• Trying new techniques and building kitchen confidence

Past groups have even mastered making pizza dough with just two simple ingredients!

Theme 2: nutrition education

Led by qualified dietitians, the program helps participants understand how food works and why healthy choices matter. Through practical, hands-on learning, participants explore:

• Foods from all food groups
• How different nutrients support growth, strength and energy
• What balanced eating looks like in everyday life

By learning what their bodies need, participants build the knowledge and confidence to make informed choices and develop a positive relationship with food.

Theme 3: exposure to new foods

Healthy Chefs creates a supportive environment for exploring new tastes and textures. There’s no pressure to taste anything—participants are encouraged instead to touch, smell and observe different foods at their own comfort level.

This gentle sensory exposure helps:

• Reduce anxiety around unfamiliar foods
• Build curiosity and comfort
• Support sensory development
• Encourage more adventurous eating over time

Theme 4: social connection

Cooking brings people together, and Healthy Chefs is designed to strengthen friendships and social confidence. Participants cook side-by-side, share ideas, communicate and celebrate their achievements as a group.

These shared experiences help build:

• New friendships
• Teamwork and cooperation
• Confidence in social settings
• A sense of belonging

A supportive path to healthy habits

Whether participants are new to the kitchen or keen to build their independence, Northcott’s Healthy Chefs Program offers a warm, engaging and educational space to grow. With dietitian-led guidance, hands-on cooking and plenty of fun along the way, Healthy Chefs supports people of all abilities to develop life skills, confidence and a lifelong love of healthy eating.

Enquire now