A contest aimed at getting families together in the kitchen is serving up a chance at more than $4,000 in prizes.
Now in its seventh year, B.C.’s popular Hands-on Cook-off contest raises awareness of the significant benefits of cooking and eating together and inspiring families to reap the associated benefits.
Until noon of May 20, any B.C, resident can enter the Hands-on Cook-off Contest. Simply grab a friend or relative and create a home video cooking show three minutes long or less. Videos must include two or more people preparing a recipe together… and having fun! Full contest details, including sample videos and where to upload, can be found on the contest site: http://bettertogetherbc.ca/contest.
Says contest judge Claire Newell, Global TV’s travel consultant: “Growing up, my parents always prioritized family dinners, which were yummy because my mom is an amazing cook. I’ve tried to instill those same values in my own family. We all love to create healthy, tasty meals and I treasure the time together that we spend eating them. That’s why I love this contest - it reminds families to set aside the screens and stress of everyday life and make family meals a priority.”
The Hands-on Cook-off contest was born from research that shows that when families cook and eat together, kids gain many valuable benefits - including better grades in school, better physical and mental health, and better overall social adaptability. According to a recent study out of New Zealand, teenagers who cook are healthier and more likely to have better mental health and feel more connected to their family.
“There is nothing more precious we can give our children than quality time at the table and the skills they require to cook themselves a lifetime of beautiful, nutritious meals,” said contest judge Jennifer Pallian, registered dietitian and creator of the popular home cooking blog, Foodess. “I love that this contest turns to the kids themselves to campaign for this.”
Several cash prizes of $1,000 and $500 will be awarded in different categories to individuals and schools. Total prizes up for grabs are valued at over $4,000. Full prizing details can be found at http://bettertogetherbc.ca/contest/page/prizes-awards
This year, the contest is going national as it is available in Manitoba.
“We’re so encouraged that Manitoba has adopted this contest, and we hope to see other provinces following suit in the years to come,” said Sydney Massey, one of the creators of Better Together and director of nutrition education at the B.C. Dairy Association. “The Hands-on Cook-off contest is our primary campaign to promote the benefits of cooking and eating together to families – and we’re excited to see it expand across Canada.”
Each year, B.C.’s Hands-on Cook-off contest enjoys the support of hundreds of chefs, schools, community organizations, and media. This year’s panel of judges represents all of these groups, and includes: Jennifer Pallian, Ethan Adeland, Claire Newell, Alexandra Gill and Denise Marchessault.