News

Young chefs tackle food insecurity

By Lua Ikenasio

Jun 6, 2026

Caroline Cook briefing young chefs Xavier Camplin, Kean Glodoviza, Zyhrelle Opena, Sharmayne McLaughlin and Eden Rouget. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

Echuca College students are building confidence in the kitchen while helping tackle food insecurity through a new community cooking program.

Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content

The initiative builds on Bendigo FoodShare’s Cooking for Change program, which has seen more than 5000 meals prepared with the help of over 800 students across the Bendigo region.

The program is now expanding to Echuca, with Echuca Regional Health’s Population Health team undergoing training to become a local delivery partner under a ‘Train the Trainer’ model.

Xavier Camplin prepping his con carne chilli. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

Representatives from Bendigo FoodShare helped run the initial sessions at Echuca College before ERH Population Health takes over delivery locally.

Following the first session at Echuca College, 80 meals were delivered to Echuca Neighbourhood House to help support the community.

Zyrhelle Opena and Sarah Corscadden working together. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

ERH senior health promotion officer Kristy Puls said the initiative aligned closely with the health service’s priorities.

“We're funded by the government to deliver key outcomes under the Community Health — Health Promotion plan,” she said.

“One of our priorities is healthy eating, so this falls under that, but it’s also reaching those priority populations as well.”

Kean Glodoviza carefully peeling an onion. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

While some students arrived feeling nervous, Mrs Puls said their confidence quickly grew throughout the session.

“They were really nervous coming into the kitchen,” she said.

“By the end of the session they were setting the table, trying vegetables they’d never tried before and they were just amazing.

“Their growth during that one session was phenomenal.”

Caroline Cook was the head chef on the day. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

Bendigo FoodShare community engagement manager Bridget Bentley said the program would help strengthen food systems across the region.

“Everyone deserves dignified access to healthy food,” Ms Bentley said.

“By scaling Cooking for Change through a train-the-trainer model, we’re empowering local organisations to deliver lasting impact — building skills, confidence and stronger local food systems across Central Victoria.”

Each student cooked alongside a mentor. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

Beyond the pilot stage, ERH Population Health will deliver sessions at the Bendigo TAFE campus in Echuca and look to continue the initiative with Echuca College.

The long-term goal is to expand Cooking for Change to more schools across the Campaspe region and use food education to support healthier communities.