Tasmanian families have gained valuable skills in preparing healthy, affordable meals at a free workshop hosted by St Lukes ahead of Launceston’s upcoming gastronomy festival.
Around 50 participants gathered at St Lukes’ Launceston wellness hub to learn practical cooking techniques from Harvest Market Manager and television cooking show co-host Rhys Hannan.
The workshop focused on helping time-poor families prepare nutritious meals without stretching their budgets amid rising grocery prices.
St Lukes Head of Community Engagement Nikki Long said the event addressed a growing community need.
“For time-crunched families at the end of the day, it can be a real challenge to prepare a meal that’s quick, healthy, tasty and importantly, with the rising price of groceries, affordable,” she said.
“We’re thrilled to host chef Rhys ahead of agriCULTURED, teaching people how to use fresh, local produce across multiple meals to get the most bang for their buck and avoid food waste.”
Hannan said there are major community benefits to choosing seasonal produce.
“Eating healthy, locally grown, seasonal produce benefits the whole community, and I always relish the opportunity to show people how to get the most value, as well as the most flavour and enjoyment, from their meals,” he said.
Libby McKay from agriCULTURED and Eat Well Tasmania offered practical advice for budget-conscious shoppers.
“Eating well on a budget can be simple – start with what’s in season because seasonal produce is often local, more affordable, nutrient dense and packed full of flavour,” McKay said.
The agriCULTURED festival will run from 31 July to 3 August 2025 across Launceston, recently named a UNESCO City of Gastronomy.
Executive producer Sarah Blacklock said the festival “celebrates the connection between food, culture, and community” while promoting food literacy and healthier communities.
The full agriCULTURED program and tickets are available online at www.agricultured.com.au.
