Tots to Teens: Inspiring a lifelong love of food and cooking in primary school children

‘Stronger Starts Cooks’ is a free six-week programme prompted by research that found 92% of parents would like to see more food education in the school curriculum

Tue, 27 May, 2025 - 02:00

Sharon Ní Chonchúir

A lifelong love of food

Tesco Ireland has launched a new educational programme to inspire a lifelong love of food and cooking in primary school children. ‘Stronger Starts Cooks’ is a free six-week programme prompted by research that found 69% of parents think their children don’t know where their food comes from and 92% would like to see more food education in the school curriculum.

Developed in consultation with teachers and dietitians, the programme includes hands-on cooking workshops to show children how to prepare a hot meal. It also includes lessons in food science, food safety, and healthy eating. Children also visit a local supermarket, where they take part in a budgeting challenge, sample different foods, and see behind the scenes of a busy shop environment.

Stronger Starts Cooks will be delivered to approximately 3,000 pupils in fourth, fifth and sixth classes in 42 primary schools this year.

tescoireland.ie/strongerstartscooks

Blooming lovely

Dublin-based Jo Leggiero struggled to find clothes that suited her changing body from the limited range of maternity brands available.

The experience inspired the mum of two to set up motherdragon.ie, an online shop selling a curated collection of preloved maternity and breastfeeding clothing.

You’ll find dresses, jumpsuits, jeans, leggings, and loungewear for sale here, all of which have been worn before but still have plenty life left in them.

Keepsake journal

A baby’s first years are filled with precious milestones. From their first little kicks, giggles, teeth, and the moment they take their first steps, all are memories you will want to cherish forever.

‘Hello Baby’ is a beautiful keepsake journal allowing you to do just that. Inside its premium linen cover are sections designed to help you capture every special moment from pregnancy onwards. There’s space for photos, hand-painted illustrations and prompts to help you write your own reflections.

The book was created by Naomi Edwards, the graphic designer and mum-of-one behind littleinktales.ie. It costs €54.95 and its gender-neutral design makes it an ideal gift for all expecting or new parents.

Comfort crochet

Maddie Mouse: Loveys cost from €42, and the full range is available at shoptwine.ie

Many babies and young children have so-called ‘blankies’ they cuddle for comfort while they fall asleep. Others prefer to snuggle up with a stuffed animal.

Wicklow-based crochet artist Nicole Taylor has created a fusion between the two. Her handmade Loveys have proven to be a hit with children of all ages.

Maddie Mouse is a perfect example. Her head is stuffed, but her body isn’t, so she combines the softness of a blanket with all the character of a toy.

Loveys cost from €42, and the full range is available at shoptwine.ie

Teen talk

Adolescence can be difficult for teens and their parents. If you’re the parent of a preteen, an event taking place in the Skibbereen Community and Family Resource Centre from 11am to 12.30pm on Tuesday, June 17, aims to arm you with insights and skills that could make those years easier for everyone.

Hosted by psychologist and parenting coach Anne Crossey, the workshop will focus on building stronger bonds with your preteen children. Topics to be discussed include: Different parenting styles and themes such as managing screentime and online influences, discipine, boundaries, the impact of bullying, and neurodiversity.