Chefs head back to the classroom

A call out to chefs, bakers and providores with an hour or so to spare and the desire to help school children learn more about food and taste. The Week of Tastes program is coming to Queensland for the first time this year and program co-ordinator Helen Campbell is looking for food professionals to help. The program is designed to change children's relationship with food and address eating habits contributing to the obesity epidemic through a series of fun interactive and educational experiences for Year 4 kids.

"The program aims to establish for positive associations with food creation, taste and the act of making good food choices," Campbell says. "It's about encouraging them to have a go, to be curious and fearless when trying new foods and how how all five senses are used when eating."

The program is administered by a teacher and extended by a visit from local chef, baker, farmer or providore. Participants last year included Matt Moran, spice guru Ian Hemphill and cookbook author Suzanne Gibbs. There's also a competition for budding mini-food writers.

Schools who want to participate or food professionals who want to offer their services should register their interest with Helen Campbell, helen@weekoftastes.com.au or 0410 639 965.