Published in the April 2023 edition of the Monthly Munch.
Here are a few words from Margaret Laughton at QCWA Gracemere Branch in Capricornia Division about being a Country Kitchens facilitator:
I have been a Country Kitchens facilitator with the Gracemere branch since 2019, and have completed five levels of the facilitator training PATHway. I have worn many hats with QCWA over the years, including Branch Treasurer, Division International Officer, Division Treasurer, and former Division President for Capricornia. I am a community minded person, and I love travelling (especially overseas). I am also passionately involved with the Royal Flying Doctors Service Rockhampton Auxiliary.
I believe Country Kitchens is a great health promotion program that is working to improve the health and wellbeing of Queenslanders. I think the 5 key messages (get more fruit and veg into your meals, cook at home, check your portion size, be aware of sugar in your drinks and sit less, move more), are important to help us change our habits for healthy outcomes.
I have been involved in several Country Kitchens activities with fellow Country Kitchens facilitator, Belinda Thoburn. Together we have assembled numerous showcases, run workshops and four Back to Basics: Food Literacy workshop series. In 2022, we delivered the Back to Basics series, and this year we have two more Back to Basics series running with Oak Tree and Benevolent Living. Each series is made up of four sessions. During the sessions, participants learn about the four domains of food literacy, as well as hands on cooking skills, including knife skills. They also learn how to read food labels, plan meals, and eat for good health using the Australian Dietary Guidelines. We have lots of fun along the way and I find the workshops very rewarding to run.
If you or someone you know is keen to work with the QCWA Country Kitchens program, we are always looking to increase our volunteer workforce. To learn all about what we do, please get in touch with the team on 0417 539 663, or head to our website: qcwacountrykitchens.com.au
