Budget cookbooks have become a successful teaching resource for the Manukau Family Literacy Programme.

By working with parents with literacy difficulties and their children at the same time the Programme aims at breaking the low-literacy cycle. The Manukau Family Literacy Programme is delivered by AUT in partnership with the City of Manukau Education Trust at six schools across Manukau City. It focuses on the adult, in their roles as a future employee, as parent and family decision-maker, and as a community member to make learning relevant to their everyday world.

In the Mangere, Otara, Papatoetoe and Manurewa there are nearly 40 thousand adults without any qualifications, and over 15 thousand with only fifth form School Certificate, or Level 1 NCEA equivalent qualification.

Last year the Family Literacy Programme, which works with approximately 70 - 80 adult learners each year, was provided with 80 Everyday Meal and Snack Ideas cookbooks which have now been integrated into its adult learning curriculum.  The MFLP students took part in the evaluation of the first edition of the cookbook, trialling recipes with their children in class and at home.  They also critically analysed the format and layout of the book, and gave feedback on its appeal to both adults and children.

According to Suzanne Thom, COMET Coordinator, the classes use the book as a reading and comprehension resource and also trial some of the recipes during session time. After class the students are encouraged to take the cookbooks home and try other recipes in their own kitchens.

The sessions developed around the cookbooks have had a number of benefits. It allows adult students to improve their reading and comprehension skills in simple and realistic everyday settings. And it has been a great way to get health and nutrition information to local the community reaching into parts of the community most at need. Also everyone benefits from better literacy, practical cooking skills and some good home cooked meals!

Originally written for struggling families as a helpful addition in food parcels the books have been written in simple language.

“The Everyday Meals and Snack Ideas cookbooks are about getting right back to basics. They focus on health and easy-to-make meals and snacks made from basic ingredients and supports healthy choices that will not impact on the overall family budget,” says contributing author and Dietitian, Sarah Buzink.

The cookbooks were designed as a joint effort by the Let’s Beat Diabetes Programme, the Family and Community Services and the Salvation Army.

A new edition of Everyday Meals and Snack Ideas are now available to organisations who want to run basic and healthy cooking sessions in Counties Manukau. For more information contact Sarah Buzink, Let’s Beat Diabetes Dietitian, ph 262 9547 or email Sarah.Buzink   "at" cmdhb.org.nz