22nd February 2001
A new survey by British Meat has revealed that it is no longer just mum who cooks for the family - almost one in four children in the UK regularly make meals for their brothers and sisters (39%) and 42% cook for their parents.* The survey, which was conducted to celebrate the launch of British Meat's sponsorship of the Cub Scout and Scout Cook Badges, also showed that our children overwhelmingly enjoy cooking but don't view cookery as a potential professional career.
Of those interviewed, 92% said they liked to cook, with 64% stating that they enjoy cooking because it's fun. A quarter of the children said they take pleasure in creating dishes, while just 8% said they enjoy helping with cooking - showing their independence in the kitchen. However, despite these overwhelming statistics, just a quarter (25%) said they would consider becoming a chef when they leave school.
When it comes to role models in the kitchen, mum is still way out in front. 75% of those questioned said their mothers are their inspiration. James Martin, Gary Rhodes and friends were also a popular choice amongst 54% of those surveyed. Grandmothers and dads were beaten into third place by the TV chefs - with 41% of the votes - showing the immense popularity of TV cookery programmes.
British Meat's sponsorship of the Cub Scout and Scout Cook Badges will be launched on Tuesday 20th February at the Youth Cafi, Hare Street, Woolwich. From 11.00am celebrity chef James Martin will be helping the 8th Lewisham South Scout Group to cook up dishes for young people who drop into the cafi. The Group is new and none of the Cub Scouts and Scouts have received their Cook Badge as yet, so they are very excited about taking part in the event and gaining key cookery skills.
Around 20,000 Cub Scout Cook Badges and 5,000 Scout Cook Badges are awarded each year. The Scout Association anticipates that up to 20% more badges will be awarded due to the sponsorship, which will run for at least two years. Both Badges cover the basic rules of safety and hygiene in the kitchen and planning, cooking, serving and clearing up a meal. The Scout Cook Badge also requires knowledge of shopping for food, transportation and storage. This year, a charity link has been added to the Badge. Cub Scouts and Scouts are being invited to raise money for a nominated charity by holding fundraising meals as part of their activities to gain the Cook Badge.
Joseph Dublin, Sponsorship and Promotions Manager, The Scout Association, comments, "With the use of ready meals and pre-packed dinners on the increase in society today, I am delighted that British Meat is supporting the Cub Scout and Scout Cook Badges. It is a real pleasure to work with young people, teaching them the art of cooking and observing their reaction when their creation is shared and enjoyed with friends, family and other guests. The Association's partnership with the Commission will generate a highly valued resource for Scouting, which will enable a greater number of young people to achieve their Cook Badge."
Nicola Cooper, consumer operations manager, British Meat, comments, "The survey highlights the fact that children really do enjoy cooking - and this is reflected in the popularity of the Cub Scout and Scout Cook Badges. We are delighted to sponsor the Badges and hope that this will lead more boys and girls to enjoy cookery and gain their Badge. With today's hectic pace of life, less time and thought is devoted to food preparation and confidence in the kitchen is diminishing. We hope that this initiative will redress the balance by helping young people to acquire vital life skills that will impact upon their future welfare and possibly their career choices."
