Kids in the kitchen: Taste Trek program highlights

Food holds a unique place in children’s lives. It is sensory, joyful and inherently social, making it a powerful tool for learning and connection.

It is no surprise that families consistently tell us food-based experiences are among the most valued in OSHC, with children naturally drawn to opportunities to create, share and discover through food.

Building confidence through hands on learning

Over the second half of term 3, children across our OSHC services have taken part in Taste Trek, a hands-on program designed to build confidence with food, explore healthy choices and connect learning from service back to home.

From the beginning, children embraced the journey with curiosity and creativity. Activities like Eat the Rainbow introduced colourful fruits and vegetables, helping children understand how different foods support their health, while building confidence to try something new.

This learning developed into a deeper exploration of the five food groups. Through quizzes, group discussions and creative activities like building food pyramids and designing healthy lunch boxes, children built their understanding of balanced eating in a practical and engaging way.

From kitchen skills to real world connection

Hands-on cooking experiences became a highlight across many services. Children stepped into the role of chefs, preparing pizzas, dips, bread and desserts while learning about ingredients and making choices about what goes into their food.

As one educator shared, “children and educators mixed, stirred, weighed and blended their way through the afternoon,” capturing the energy and collaboration that defined so many of these moments.

A strong theme throughout the program was plant to plate learning. Children explored where food comes from through gardening, research and cooking, often using ingredients they had grown themselves. This helped build a deeper connection to food and a sense of pride in what they created.

Extending learning beyond the service

The impact extended beyond the service environment, with children sharing their experiences at home. Many took food home to their families, explained recipes and reflected on what they had learned.

One team noted that children were “excited to be able to take something home to try with their families,” sparking conversations that carried learning beyond the afternoon.

Taste Trek has been a great example of learning through doing. Children have strengthened their understanding of nutrition and wellbeing while building confidence, communication skills and a willingness to explore new experiences.

As the program wraps up for term 3, we celebrate the enthusiasm, and joy shown by children and educators alike.