Scotland's first Cooking Bus launched

26 June 2008

Scotland's first Cooking Bus - a colourful kitchen on wheels teaching cooking and healthy eating skills to children, parents, teachers and community groups - has been launched by the Scottish Government.

On-board lessons will teach children how to cook simple healthy meals as well as essential food handling and preparation skills.

Top of the menu is learning about vital food issues like nutrition, hygiene and recycling.

At primary and secondary schools across Scotland, sessions on the bus will mean children and their teachers can enjoy specially tailored classes in a safe, well-equipped mobile kitchen.

Equipped with an outside plasma screen, the bus will also encourage visitors, especially in rural areas, to gather round and watch the cooking workshop.

To help make a lasting difference, the programme will provide schools and community groups with cooking equipment and teaching resources as well as training for adults in how to use them.

During school holidays, classes will also be held for community group leaders, with a particular focus on deprived areas to help tackle health inequalities.

The Cooking Bus will be run through the joined commitment of the Scottish Government, the Food Standards Agency Scotland, the Focus on Food Campaign, local authorities and community groups.

So far, 200 schools have requested a visit from the Cooking Bus and applications are invited from other Scottish schools. Requests can be submitted online or by phone on 01422 383 191.

The bus will aim to visit all 32 councils across Scotland by the end of 2010.

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