Students Cook Up Confidence and Connection with OzHarvest’s NEST Program
Before NEST, I never cooked. I used to order takeaway every day. Now I know how to cook and that it doesn’t cost me too much time or money to make a tasty and nutritious meal.
Last month, 15 lucky ANU students traded instant noodles for real kitchen know-how thanks to a hands-on cooking and nutrition workshop delivered free of charge by OzHarvest, in partnership with Student Life. Held in the welcoming Community Connect space in the Copland Building, the Nutrition Education & Skills Training (NEST) program gave students more than just recipes — it offered connection, confidence, and practical life skills.
Over five weekly 2.5-hour sessions, students were guided through the foundations of healthy eating, meal planning on a budget, and reducing food waste- all through a learning-by-doing approach. The workshops included hands-on cooking lessons, games and discussions around nutrition, and most importantly, shared meals that students prepared and enjoyed together.
“I loved learning cooking skills but also nutritional skills, and how to save money on groceries while still making really yummy food!”
The workshops created a supportive environment for students of all skill levels. Whether they were trying out a frying pan for the first time or just looking to expand their weekday meal ideas. Many participants had little prior experience in the kitchen, but that changed fast.
At the final session, students were awarded a certificate of completion and a take-home toolkit, which included beautifully designed infographic fact sheets and the OzHarvest Everyday Cookbook filled with 30 easy, affordable and nourishing recipes. Many participants left feeling equipped with the tools and confidence to make cooking part of their routine.
But NEST wasn’t just about food. It created opportunities for social connection, too. Sharing meals, trading stories and learning alongside peers helped students build new friendships and feel more at home in the ANU community.
The results speak for themselves:
- 100% of participants reported increased confidence in their cooking abilities
- 75% felt more socially connected and engaged with their community
It’s not always easy to eat well as a student especially with a tight budget, full study load, and the stress of uni life. But NEST proved that with the right support and a bit of hands-on guidance, anyone can make small changes that have a big impact on wellbeing.
Want more affordable recipe ideas?
Follow @Anustudentlife on Instagram where we regularly share budget-friendly recipes designed for students. Check out our recent series called “Freezer is Your Friend” These recipes use pantry staples and ingredients you can reuse or freeze, helping you save time, money, and reduce food waste.
Support a Great Cause
OzHarvest’s Annual Giving Day is coming up on 18 June 2025, and for 24 hours, every donation will be doubled. Even a small contribution can help fund meals, education programs, and food rescue efforts that support people doing it tough - right here in Australia.
