Eat Happy Project FAQ

Need more information? Browse our frequently asked questions below.

• About Let's Cook

  • Who created the curriculum for the courses?

    Our cooking courses have been created in partnership with the Children’s Food Trust, a national charity with extensive experience of creating cooking courses for children. Its Let’s Get Cooking programme has the largest network of children’s cookery clubs in the UK. The Children’s Food Trust is committed to ensuring that as many children as possible achieve their potential by providing them with the tools they need to ensure a healthy, balanced diet.

  • How much does a course cost?

    Our courses are free. Places are limited and on a first-come, first-served basis. So get in quick!

  • What ages are the courses aimed at?

    There are two courses, one for 5 to 7-year-olds and another for 8 to 11-year-olds. An adult is required to accompany the 5 to 7-year-olds.

  • What happens in a class?

    Your child will cook simple, tasty and healthy meals the whole family can enjoy. All the recipes and tasks required to cook have been tailored to ensure they are appropriate to the age of children attending. No previous cooking experience is required – our courses are designed for all. We hope that at the end of a fun, hands-on course your child will have learned new cooking skills, have the confidence to recreate the recipes at home, and have the passion to continue exploring ingredients and cooking.

  • How do I book a course?

    To book on to a course you will need to register with The Tesco Eat Happy Project, which will only take a couple of minutes. You can then book a place for your child by filling in a simple booking form.

  • How long does the course last?

    Our courses during half term and summer holidays run for 3 consecutive days, at the same time each day. It’s important that all 3 days are attended, as skills are built upon each day. Each session is 2 hours long.

  • Where are the courses held?

    Let’s Cook courses will be run in a designated area of our customer cafés, in selected Tesco stores across the UK.

  • Who teaches the courses?

    Let’s Cook courses are run by experienced home economists from the Children’s Food Trust, who have been specially trained and approved to work with children.

  • Do I need to bring anything?

    We provide all the ingredients, so you don’t need to worry about bringing anything along. We also give each child an apron to use on the course and take home with them. Adults accompanying younger children will be provided with an apron to use on the day.

  • What should my child wear?

    Everyday clothing is fine, but please remember that children still may get a bit messy, even if they are wearing an apron! Children and adults are asked to wear sensible shoes (no open toes), with long hair tied back and no jewellery.

  • Do I stay with my child, or drop them off?

    Children under eight will need to be accompanied by an adult (over 18 years), and we promise a fun and memorable learning experience for you both. Children aged 8-11 can attend the course unaccompanied. We will give you a password to use when signing them in and out of the Kitchen area.

  • I have two children under the age of 8; do I need two adult supervisors or can I attend with both of them?

    If you have two children under the age of 8 attending the same class, then one adult supervisor is enough.

  • Can I bring my other children along to watch?

    The safety of your child is paramount. To keep everyone safe in the kitchen area, we ask that as a parent or guardian, you only bring the child/children who you have booked onto the course and do not bring any younger siblings or friends as this may jeopardise your space in the course.

  • My child has special needs, can they still attend the course?

    We will always look to accommodate children with special needs and are happy to welcome them on their own or with an accompanying parent/guardian, depending on their age and ability. We ask that you indicate any special needs on your booking form, so we can understand any special requirements you and your child may have.

  • Do I have to give permission for my child to be photographed during the course?

    You will be asked on the booking form whether you are happy for your child to be photographed during the course.

  • What happens at the end of the session?

    We ask that all parents or carers collect their child promptly at the end of the session. In the event you are delayed, please contact the home economist leading the session to let them know (you will be given a number when you drop off your child). Your child will be kept in the cooking area with our home economist or a Tesco member of staff until you arrive.

  • What happens if my child falls ill before or during the course?

    If your child has had sickness or diarrhoea less than 48 hours before the start of the course unfortunately they will not be able to attend.  

    We will contact you immediately if your child becomes ill during the course.

    If you need to cancel an existing booking, please log into the website and cancel your booking there.

    If you need to cancel within 7 days of your course, then please call 0208 782 3305 to provide your details, and the details of the course you have booked.

  • My child has a cast on their hand, can they still attend?

    If your child has a cast or bandages on their arm and/or hand which would restrict them from washing their entire hand, then unfortunately, for hygiene and health and safety reasons, they will not be able to attend the course.

  • What if I can’t attend all three days of the course, can I just attend two days?

    On the first day, we cover the important instructions on health and safety, a key learning we build upon during days two and three. Unfortunately if you are unable to attend this session we will not be able to accept you on to days two and three. All children who attend all three sessions will receive a £5 Tesco Giftcard at the end of day three. Please let us know if you cannot attend all three days of the course so that we can offer your place to someone on the waiting list.

  • What if I need to cancel a course?

    If you need to cancel an existing booking, please log onto the website and cancel your booking there.

    If you need to cancel within 7 days of your course, then please call 0208 782 3305 to provide your details, and the details of the course you have booked.

• About Farm to Fork Trails

  • How do I book a Trail?

    It’s really easy! First, set your school up with its own profile page (we only need a few details about you and your school). Once that’s done, take a look at our Farm to Fork Trails section to find out which Tesco stores, food producers, growers and suppliers are participating in your area. You can then contact them directly to set up your visit.

  • How long will a visit last for?

    Store Trails last approximately two hours. Trails to one of our suppliers will vary in length but are created to make sure you and your class get the most out of the experience. The supplier will discuss this with you when you arrange your Trail.

  • How many children can go on a Trail?

    We can accommodate up to 30 children in a store Trail. Suppliers may be able to take more – please discuss this with the supplier when you arrange your Trail.

  • Do we have to pay for the Trails?

    No, the Trails are absolutely free!

  • I have a class with special needs children, can they come on a visit?

    Yes, Trails at suppliers or a store are open to all primary-age children – however, there may be some restricted access at some sites. Please discuss your requirements with the store or supplier when you book your Trail and we will do our best to provide a fun and engaging experience for all children.

  • Do you provide transport or help with cost of transport?

    In some circumstances we can help. Please talk to your Farm to Fork Trail guide at your local store to find out more.

  • Why can’t secondary school children go on a Trail?

    Our Farm to Fork Trails have been designed specifically for 4 to 11-year-old children to take part in. However, younger and older children of all abilities can also learn about where their food comes from – please speak to your local Trail Guide about how they may be able to accommodate you.

  • Who is responsible for the event at the store?

    Each Superstore and Extra store has a Farm to Fork Trail guide, who has been specifically trained to run the Trails. This colleague will be able to discuss with you the needs for the day and arranging it with the store. They will also lead the Trail itself.

  • How do Beaver Scouts and Cub Scouts earn a Farm to Fork badge?

    By going on one of our Farm to Fork store trails and learning how their food is grown or produced. Please note, badges are awarded for participating in a store trail; attending a supplier trail – while lots of fun – doesn’t qualify Beavers and Cubs for a badge. 

• About Let's Cookalong

  • What is Let's Cookalong?

    Let’s Cookalong is our online cooking video series that has been designed to get you and your family cooking together while you watch.

  • Who designed the recipes?

    All of the recipes have been written by the Children’s Food Trust and in consultation with Tesco nutritionists. Each recipe is healthy with no red traffic lights and suitable for children to follow. 

  • What if my children have never cooked before?

    Then these videos are the perfect introduction! They are designed to teach children how to be safe and confident in the kitchen, and we also have accompanying skills videos to teach them essential techniques, such as chopping and grating.

  • I'm not great at cooking, but I'd like my children to be able to cook. How will these videos help me?

    The videos are designed by experts to be easy for children to follow, and the presenter speaks directly to them. Your children will be shown how to perform essential kitchen tasks safely, such as chopping, handling meat and being able to tell when things are ready.

     

    They’ll also be encouraged to engage with ingredients so that they become confident about being creative with food and flavours.

     

    So long as you’re there to handle heavier pans and make sure everyone is safe, you’ll all have a great time. And you can learn together!