IPC Health’s Cooks Network
Overview
Saira Karim, Health Promotion Officer at IPC Health, identified a lack of support for cooks in long day care settings. To address this, she started a Cooks Network to foster connection, share knowledge, and support healthy, allergy-safe meal planning.
Identifying the gaps
Saira found many cooks were using the same menus for years, struggling with food safety and dietary planning, and lacked confidence in assessing their menus to meet guidelines.
“The chefs and the cooks were feeling very isolated… it’s just the nature of their job that they are by themselves most of the time in the kitchen.”
Establishing the network
Motivated by this need, Saira brought cooks together through a local Cooks Network—supported every step of the way by the Healthy Eating Advisory Service (HEAS) resources.
The Cooks Connect Toolkit provided the step-by-step guidance Saira needed to get the network up and running.
To support her sessions, Saira used pre-prepared resources for running a Cooks Network from HEAS – a professional development package dedicated to managing fussy eating in long day care.
This resource included a ready-made lesson plan, videos, guided activities and more, helping lead engaging sessions encouraging discussion and idea sharing.
Success and impact
The network has helped cooks feel seen, supported and connected.
“I felt really happy that the chefs were communicating with each other… it was them who were leading the conversation.”
Cooks are now sharing ideas, updating their menus and feeling more confident in providing nutritious meals for children.
Looking ahead
For Saira, the Cooks Connect resources are now an essential part of her health promotion work.
“Cooks Connect is my Bible. I go to it for everything.”
With continued support from HEAS, a dedicated community of practice, and the Cooks Connect resources, Saira hopes to grow the network and encourages others to explore the HEAS tools, sharing that they provide:
“Everything that a health promoter needs to start their network.”
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Want to assess your menu?
The Healthy Eating Advisory Service acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land on which we operate. We pay our respects to them, their culture and their Elders past and present.
The Healthy Eating Advisory Service is delivered by experienced nutritionists and dietitians at National Nutrition Foundation, with support from the Victorian Government.
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