Education catering has just as much of a role in learning in the education sector as the classroom. Here’s how our college catering teams inspire students to learn essential cooking skills in our Secrets from the Kitchen events.
Why life skills matter in school catering
Cooking is a foundation for independence, confidence, and healthy living, yet many students still rely on instant noodles, toasties, takeaways. While convenient, these choices don’t fuel young minds with the nutrients and energy they need for learning and focus.
As an education catering company, we believe school catering services should go beyond the college dining hall. Our role is not only to provide wholesome, high-nutritional meals every day, but also to help students learn how to cook them for themselves. That’s what drove us to launch our first Secrets from the Kitchen event at Lincoln College, led by our General Manager of Food, Sean, and Chef Manager, Raj.
Once confidence grows, preparing food becomes a part of everyday life, and a great way to connect with friends, share meals, and gather as a community.
Inside the Secrets from the Kitchen cooking class
Held just before dinner, the event brought students together in the dining hall in a relaxed, hands-on setting. Students had the chance to observe, assist, taste, and ask questions as Sean and Raj prepared dishes together.
The menu was deliberately chosen to be student-accessible favourites, from fragrant Indian-style chicken tikka-masala to crispy herb-crumbed fish fillets. Our goal was to show the students how everyday ingredients could be transformed easily into healthy, flavourful meals.
And, of course, no meal is complete without dessert. Sean and Raj taught healthy balance in a way even students can get behind with rich chocolate brownies.
What was big for us when planning Secrets from the Kitchen was that it wouldn’t be a lecture. Developing essential life skills like this takes a more engaging approach, with interactive and hands-on learning designed to build confidence in the kitchen.
Healthier habits through education catering
This was our first education catering event of its kind, after successfully running similar programs in aged care facilities. The turnout exceeded expectations, with 38 students eager to take part. And the feedback was encouraging. Students left with new skills, practical cooking know-how, and the confidence to prepare meals for themselves. By equipping students with these tools, we’re empowering them with the confidence and skills to lead healthier, more independent lives with habits that last well beyond their time at school.
But cooking demonstrations are only one part of how we make food engaging. Our themed event days—with Viking feasts, international menus, or Sugar and Soy bold food fusions—turn dining into an experience. These occasions encourage students to explore new foods, connect with others, and see mealtimes as a celebration of community.
At gather, we go beyond food. We’re a partner in empowering students, building their confidence, and supporting their wellbeing. School catering services have as much influence on daily habits as the classroom—by seeding healthy routines into fun, practical learning opportunities, we help set students up with life skills that last.
Partnering with schools to deliver more than catering
At gather, we believe that education catering goes beyond just putting food on the table. It’s also about inspiring confidence and connection in students. That’s why schools across Australia trust gather’s college catering services for fresh, delicious, nutritious meals and meaningful food education programs that support student growth.
If you’d like to explore how gather by Cater Care can bring Secrets from the Kitchen or similar initiatives to your school or college, we’d love to hear from you.
To find out more, get in touch with David O’Brien to have a quick chat about how gather can provide your students and residents with a well-rounded and connecting mealtime experience.
