Learning to prep your own meals is a great way to become more independent. There are ideas in this section that can help you pick up easy cooking skills and handy tips so you can make food without stress and feel confident in the kitchen—and maybe even impress a few people along the way!
Videos of simple food prep and using cutlery can be found here: Video Library - Watch Me Do It Project
Free cooking and meal preparation resources
ASDAN have created free cooking and meal preparation resources for learners aged 13–19, designed to build practical kitchen skills, promote healthy eating, and encourage cooking on a budget. Inspired by their FoodWise Short Course, the resources include engaging challenges such as meal planning, cooking one-pot meals, and exploring food sustainability and nutrition.
Student guide to food safety and hygiene
The Food Standard Agency has produced a student guide to food safety and hygiene to give students advice on how to keep their kitchen clean and understand the basics of food hygiene.
Practical Guide on Eating Well for 12-18 year olds
The Caroline Walker Trust has published a Practical Guide on Eating Well for 12-18 year olds to support young people in eating well by outlining key nutrition principles, showing how their dietary needs can be met with a variety of foods and drinks, and providing guidance on appropriate portion sizes.
