The Maggie Beer Foundation hosted its second education program earlier this week which was held at the Sydney Seafood School. The MBF team were joined by 30 cooks and chefs from aged care homes around Australia with the goal to inspire and challenge them on how to create nutritious, full flavoured, low cost meals everyday in their aged care kitchens. What an amazing bunch of participants, and equally inspiring collection of guest speakers. A range of experts, including Nutritionist Rosemary Stanton, Food Safety Expert James Shepherd & Dr. Rodney Jilek from St Elizabeth Homes, Professor Terry Bolin from The Gut Foundation, Sydney Chef Alex Herbert, General Manager of HammondCare Residential Care Angela Raguz, HammondCare Executive Chef and Food Ambassador Peter Morgan-Jones, Professor Lee – Fay Low from University Of Sydney and Maggie Haertsch, CEO of the Arts Health Institute, inspired and educated the participants over the course of 2 days.

In addition to these speakers, participants were set to work on several hands-on cooking activities which tested their knowledge and skills in preparing simple, delicious meals for the elderly in their care. During the evenings participants were treated to meals prepared by Lauren Murdoch at the Opera House and an Italian feast at A Tavola in Darlinghurst.

The event not only provided an optimal networking environment for the participants to share their challenges and ideas but also allowed chefs and cooks to gain valuable insight into the need for change.

Image: Maggie & the winning 'Mystery Box' team.