OnSide and Lidl team up to inspire healthier habits through free summer cooking clubs

This summer, we’re partnering with Lidl GB to deliver free Lidl Foodies Summer Clubs at five Youth Zones across the country, helping around 1,000 young people discover the joy of cooking while building confidence in preparing healthy, affordable meals.

Running throughout the school summer holidays, the sessions will take place at 224, South Bristol Youth Zone, Carlisle Youth Zone, Legacy, Croydon Youth Zone, Mahdlo, Oldham Youth Zone and The Way, Wolverhampton Youth Zone, giving young people the opportunity to get hands-on in the kitchen, learn simple recipes and develop practical skills they can use at home.

The partnership comes as new research from Lidl reveals that many children have significant gaps in their understanding of healthy food, while families continue to feel the pressure of providing nutritious meals during the school holidays. Alongside these challenges, almost a third of parents say the cost of healthy food makes it harder to provide balanced meals over the summer.

Together with Lidl we’re helping tackle these challenges by making healthy eating fun, accessible and practical.

At each Lidl Foodies Summer Club, young people will take part in engaging cooking sessions led by experienced youth workers, preparing quick, healthy recipes while learning more about nutrition, fresh ingredients and food preparation. Every young person attending will also receive a free fruit or vegetable item, redeemable through Lidl Plus, helping them continue their food journey at home.

The programme builds on the vital role Youth Zones play during the school holidays, providing safe, welcoming spaces where young people can stay active, develop new skills, build friendships and have positive experiences.

Our Chief Executive, Jamie Masraff, said:

“Every young person deserves the opportunity to develop the skills and confidence they need to lead healthy, happy lives, regardless of their circumstances. The summer holidays can be particularly challenging for many families, making initiatives like Lidl Foodies Summer Clubs even more valuable.

Through our partnership with Lidl, we’re giving young people the chance to learn practical cooking skills, try new foods and discover that healthy eating can be enjoyable and something they can recreate at home. We’re proud to be working together to create positive experiences that will benefit young people long after the summer holidays have ended.”