Jack to a Chef aims to educate pupils about healthy eating before putting their learning into practice through practical cooking sessions.

In Wales, 13.4 per cent of children are classed as overweight, a statistically-higher proportion than those reported for England and Scotland. Additionally, a quarter of four to five-year-olds in the Swansea Bay area are either overweight or obese, potentially leading to consequences in their later life.

The aims of ‘Jack to a Chef’ are to make parents and children more aware of what they are eating on a daily basis, and to provide healthy recipe ideas which participants can use at home, as well as in sessions with the Foundation.

The duration of the programme is five weeks, with one two-hour session per week. The sessions are split between a theory/classroom element and a practical task. This allows children to improve their knowledge on healthy eating aspects like the 'Eat Well Guide', healthy swaps, food labels, portion sizes, and budgeting. Each week children prepare, cook, and eat different recipes working on skills such as following instructions/recipes, portion control, weighing, measuring, chopping, cutting, mixing, and food hygiene.

The programme was delivered across schools within the City Cluster of Swansea during the 2024 calendar year, reaching 5 primary schools and Dylan Thomas Community School. Pupils from Dylan Thomas also had the opportunity to represent the school in a large celebration event at the Swansea.com stadium. Pupils showcased their knowledge and skills, preparing and presenting a three-course meal to parents, teachers, and those connected with the club, creating a historic evening for both the pupils and the Foundation.

During 2025 and 2026, the Swansea City AFC Foundation will deliver in schools throughout the Llwchwr Cluster area.

For more informtation, please email rhys@swansfoundation.org.uk