Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards Culinary Personality of the Year and recipient of the Jamaica Observer Online Award, Brian Lumley, led his team at Foodie Focused Limited in another successful staging of the first leg of their annual culinary camp for kids, aptly dubbed ‘Budding Chefs’.

The camp attracted 35 children ages five to nine and ended on Friday, July 18.

Budding chefs were exposed not only to the culinary side of the industry but were shown how to prepare healthier meal options.

Indeed the rationale behind Budding Chefs, which Lumley and his sister Stephanie started in 2012, is that of combating childhood obesity. “We have”, said Lumley, “seen the upward trend of childhood obesity in Jamaica and decided to do something about it. Budding Chefs is our way of tackling what many have deemed a global epidemic.”

Lumley’s lesson plan includes a very exciting tour of Sovereign supermarket, where his charges push trolleys through the wide aisles and are helped by their tutor to select the items required for a balanced, healthier dining experience. The hope is that these youngsters can influence what is purchased and prepared at home long after their culinary camp ends.

The primary sponsors of this initiative are the Jamaica Observer, Reggae Jammin, Appliance Traders Limited Home, VMBS, Jamaica Producers,Tru-Juice, Sovereign Supermarket-Liguanea, and Ribena.

The Budding Chefs were taught how to make balanced meals and even a power snack that included ingredients such as flax seeds and chocolate.

“We are delighted to partner with Chef Lumley,” shared Reggae Jammin’ Brand Manager Racquel Watson. “We are as eager as he is to empower our children in a fun, comfortable environment on how to maintain a healthy diet using Reggae Jammin’ products like our burgers and chicken franks, which are geared towards children.”

Chef Lumley and his team are getting ready for their August staging which targets children ages 10 to 13. Participants will be exposed to theoretical and practical skills on topics spanning kitchen safety, choosing healthy foods, and healthy cooking methods.