Let’s Get Cooking: a mixed methods evaluation of a programme delivering culinary education via a network of cookery clubs across England

OBJECTIVE: Culinary education interventions may effectively improve cooking skills and dietary outcomes; however, interventions lack theoretical underpinning and rigorous evaluation. 'Let's Get Cooking' (LGC) is a culinary education intervention operating a 'school and community-based' programme targeting children, and 'food waste reduction' programme targeting adults. LGC is delivered through cookery clubs, operating a 'train the trainer' model, whereby club leaders are centrally trained and resourced. This study aims to understand initial assessments of LGC's effectiveness, the content of resources provided for programme delivery, and club leaders' perceptions of the programme. DESIGN: Three previous evaluations of the 'school and community-based' programme were synthesised and critically appraised. LGC resources were coded to identify behaviour change techniques (BCTs), map the age-appropriateness of included cooking skills and to identify food waste reduction strategies. Qualitative one-on-one interviews with club leaders (N = 7) were conducted online and thematically analysed. SETTING: UK. PARTICIPANTS: N/A. RESULTS: Previous evaluations suggest LGC's 'school and community-based' programme may effectively disseminate cooking skills. However, reports lacked assessment of 'fidelity' or 'dose delivered'. LGC resources primarily target behaviour change through describing how and when to perform cooking behaviour and contain age-appropriate cooking skills for participating children. 'Food waste reduction' resources primarily include appropriate food storage and preparation strategies to reduce waste. Club leaders perceive the intervention and training positively, however, adapt resources and sessions due to delivery challenges. CONCLUSIONS: LGC may be an effective intervention, however, content improvement may support programme delivery. Rigorous process evaluation is needed to improve understanding of LGC's effectiveness.