COOKING roadshows aimed at helping families to cook healthy but fun meals began in Alcombe last week.

‘Cook 4 Fun’, has been organised by Somerset Village agent Caroline Harding, Christine Payne, coordinator for the West Somerset Food Cupboard and chef Claire Lynch from Claire’s Kitchen.

The idea was formed after a discussion with the Food Cupboard revealed that the number of food parcels distributed by the charity each week was increasing.

Caroline Harding said: “Many families who receive food parcels are unsure of how to make the best use of them, so by working with Claire Lynch, a menu was put together using the main ingredients found in a food parcel plus a few extras.

“We are trying to encourage families not to go for expensive ready-meal options with often low nutritious value but instead to have fun, save money, and eat more healthily using lower cost food items.”

The Cook 4 Fun demonstration at The Alcombe Children’s Centre showed families how to make a chicken balti, a corned beef hash, an apple cake and additional recipes to take home.

The roadshows have been made possible by the support of Cllrs Frances Nicholson and Christine Lawrence from their Health and Wellbeing grant.

Further demonstrations will be taking place in Williton, Watchet, Wheddon Cross and Porlock over the next coming months.