Media Release

6 July 2011

LynnMall combining food with fun for kids these holidays

Kids are invited to come down to LynnMall these school holidays to master the art of cooking a healthy breakfast and support the Foundation for Youth Development.

LynnMall is putting on Kids Cook workshops during the July school holidays (July 18 to July 31), encouraging children to hone their cooking skills and teach them the importance of eating a healthy breakfast.

Linh Luong, marketing manager at LynnMall, says the centre is keen to build on the success of last year's campaign and further encourage children to discover the fun of cooking and the value of eating nutritious and tasty breakfasts with the help of the Foundation for Youth Development mentors.

The workshops are aimed at primary and intermediate aged children and will teach them to cook several basic healthy recipes whilst educating them on the benefits of having healthy breakfast habits for improved daily performance.

Rebecca Whiting, nutritionist from breakfast-eaters.org.nz who is working with LynnMall on this campaign, says breakfast is very important for kids and this needs to be highlighted.

"Over 100,000 New Zealand school children skip breakfast at least once a week. Children who skip breakfast are more likely to purchase foods that are high in fat and sugar to eat on the way to school. It's great that LynnMall is committed to changing this and promoting the benefits of eating a healthy breakfast to parents and children," says Ms Whiting.

Amanda Wheeler, programme director at the Foundation for Youth Development Waitakere which helps children to develop self confidence, personal motivation and learn valuable life, education and health skills, is pleased to be partnering with LynnMall for the second year running.

"Our students find it really fulfilling working alongside their local shopping centre as it not only gives them valuable work experience, but also great communication skills and the experience of working with children in their community."

Kids who participate will be able to cook up a storm in the Fisher & Paykel mobile kitchen with all of the essential cooking ingredients being provided by Countdown, as well as receive a host of new recipes, a bag filled with goodies from Healtheries and Nature's Fresh, and the desire to cook healthy meals.

Dates: Monday 18th July - Sunday 31 July

Time: 10.30am, 12.30pm and 2.30pm each day

Cost: $5 (all proceeds going to the Foundation for Youth Development)

Register: LynnMall Customers Service Desk

ENDS

© Scoop Media