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Youngsters shown the benefits of healthy breakfast

Pupils trying Mr Carter's omelette

Mike Spackman at the launch

Paul Carter at the cook-off

Primary school pupils were treated to an omelette cooked and served by county council leader Paul Carter for the launch of the Isle of Sheppey’s new community chef project.

The scheme, part of KCC’s healthy schools initiative, aims to help spread the message about the importance of a better diet.

It was launched at Sheppey Healthy Living Centre in Sheerness yesterday.

Mike Spackman, a chef of 15 years’ experience, has been appointed to take up the challenge and says it is about “getting back to basics”.

“There are people who simply can’t cook, it’s not about not wanting to, they can’t cook and the project will really foster among people a confidence to prepare from fresh, good quality ingredients that don’t need to cost a lot of money.”

Mike, who studied at Thanet College said one example of a cost-effective dish is spring vegetable soup, which he aims to introduce to some of the community groups across Sheppey.

“I think soup with its appeal is sometimes much maligned and there are lots of ways of bulking it out, getting plenty of veg in there, plenty of flavour and making it look good as well.”

During the morning children from Rose Street Primary School in Sheerness were shown how to make easy, healthier breakfast alternatives such as granola, blueberry muffins and freshly squeezed apple juice.

Mr Carter wants to see a generational change in what people in the county eat.

He said: “We’re trying to transform the way young people eat, what their diet is across all the schools in Kent and this community chef project here on the Isle of Sheppey is a really good idea.”

“Mike’s going to go round the community of all ages and stages of life convincing people that eating healthily is very enjoyable and absolutely delicious. Cooking is fun and that’s the most important thing.”

Asked what his favourite breakfast is, Mr Carter replied: “Personally I’d say a chopped up banana, a bit of chopped up orange with some fresh yoghurt and a drizzle of fresh honey on the top, how long does that take?

“One minute 45 seconds, two minutes to produce the most delicious food, you give that to these young people and that’s exactly what they’re cooking for themselves.”

“It makes a bowl of cornflakes, not that that’s nutritionally unacceptable, look rather dull and boring.”

The Sheppey project is one of five to be spread out across the county over the next three years.

Watch a video clip of the cook-off event by clicking here

If you¹ve got a complaint about your neighbourhood, or want to tell everyone about how great your town is, make a short film and post it on Your Kent TV service. Simply log on to YourKentTV.co.uk.

POSTED: 09/05/2008 15:55:48