Men's Group cooking up a storm

It’s never too late to learn new tricks, and the Men’s Cooking Group at the Burnside Civic Centre is doing just that.

Run by Meals on Wheels, the program is funded by the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) as part of My Aged Care. Aiming to teach men over the age of 65 how to prepare and cook delicious meals with an emphasis on a healthy diet, all ingredients, kitchen spaces and participant fees are covered by the City of Burnside.

Meals on Wheels Program Facilitator and Coordinator of Food, Nutrition & Social Program Sarah Harrison said the group had been a pleasure to teach.

‘We all come in, learn how to cook, sit around, and have lunch together. They are all incredibly friendly and happy people to be around,' Sarah said.

‘I go over the basics of cooking and cover any questions they might ask, like if they want to substitute a particular ingredient because of their diet.

‘I try to think of older people when I plan what we cook – increasing protein and hydration are big focuses.'

Bernie, who has been a member since the program's inception last year, said he enjoyed getting to know the other participants.

‘Some of the guys here can get a bit lonely, this is just as much about socialising as cooking,’ Bernie said.

‘I know how to cook, but I enjoy coming here to talk.'