During the height of the Pandemic, President's Choice and Loblaws made the decision to close their on-site cooking schools, which was understandable as it proved too difficult to follow proper health measures and social distancing protocols while people worked together to create dishes. These cooking class spaces are located within many of the Loblaws; Independents, and Superstores across Canada, and now sit empty used for a break room. 

Cooking classes were offered weekly pre-pandemic, with adult classes held in the evenings; Parent and Tot clases for children between the ages of 3 and 6; and Children classes (6+ yrs).  The classes varied in themes (Valentine's day) and season (strawberry season, blueberry season). 

Many in the community benefitted from the cooking schools - whether it be a senior getting a fresh made healthy lunch at a discount then leaving with that recipe in order to recreate at home; to a childcare provider taking her charges out for an outing; grandparents bonding with their grandchildren; guardians spending time with their children; or Girl Guides and Brownie Troops working on their cooking badge.  The cooking schools offered a fun, and safe environment that taught an important life skill; a skill that unfortunately not every family has the time to devote teaching. 

I am urging President's Choice and Loblaws to revisit their decision to close the cooking schools.  The studies are there to back up the benefits that cooking has - it reinforces math skills; reading skills; science; increases language development; enhances fine motor skills; promotes healthy eating; self-confidence; increases focus and attention; and teaches a life skill.

The last two year have taken away so much from our children, it's time to give back - they need normality.  We need