The Dungog community kitchen operates in partnership between Dungog Shire Community Centre and Dungog Anglican Church.

The program, open to anyone in the community, offers the opportunity to come together, learn about healthy eating, food preparation and budgeting.

Community centre coordinator Sarah U’Brien said the group meets every Tuesday morning at 9.30 in the Anglican Church Hall.

“Each week we cook a healthy yummy meal which we then eat together while we plan the following week’s menu,” Ms U’Brien said.

“This is a fun and open group that shares a love of food and friendship, as well as creating the opportunity to develop new skills and knowledge around healthy eating, cooking tips and budgeting.

“Children are welcome and there is free child minding.”

Ms U’Brien said the kitchen has been operating since December 2010 when they had a ginger bread house-making fun day.

“We have also have special days and learnt new skills, such a Easter egg and birthday cake making.

“Over this time we have not only learnt a lot of handy kitchen cooking tips from our very experienced and clever cooking mentors the ladies from the Anglican Church, but we have also had a lot of fun experimenting in the kitchen, trying new foods and making some wonderful friends.

“The kitchen aims to provide an open welcoming environment that caters for a wide range of need and interest, those wanting ideas with healthy eating and budgeting as well as those wishing to meet new people and share a love of good food.”

Jenny Coggan and Di Currie enjoy coming to the kitchen where they have made new friends.

“It’s good, because young mums can bring their children, they don’t have to worry about babysitters,” Jenny said.

“I found out through word of mouth, it’s pretty popular.”

Di Curry said her 13-year-old daughter loved the fried rice she learnt to make.

“We are able to take the leftovers home and also the recipe,” Ms Currie said.

“The fried rice was very easy to make and the family loved it.”

Qualified chef Abigayle Gulliver comes along too and enjoys spending time with the other young mums.

“Sometimes I can give advice with the cooking but really I am here to meet others and have time out of the house.”

This week the group was making train cookies to sell at the Dungog Railway Centenary on Saturday.

Money raised will go back into the kitchen and help stock the pantry.