Lidl GB is partnering with youth charity OnSide to deliver free cooking clubs for around 1,000 children during the school summer holidays.

The Lidl Foodies Summer Clubs will run through OnSide’s Youth Zone network in Bristol, Carlisle, Croydon, Manchester and Wolverhampton.

Sessions will teach children how to prepare healthy, quick and affordable recipes that they can recreate at home. Every child attending will also receive a free fruit coupon redeemable through the Lidl Plus app.

The initiative is supported by a £100,000 donation from the discounter, in addition to the £675,000 Lidl has invested in its wider schools-based Foodies programme.

Now in its second year, Lidl Foodies is available in more than a quarter of British primary schools and has reached 640,000 children.

The expansion follows the introduction of an in-store Lidl Foodies scavenger hunt, as the supermarket extends the programme beyond classrooms and into its stores and local communities.

Research commissioned by Lidl found that 32 per cent of children would be more willing to try healthy food if they helped prepare nutritious meals. More than half said they would like to learn how to cook.

The survey also found that 86 per cent of parents felt the school holidays increased the pressure associated with providing healthy meals, while 29 per cent were concerned about the cost of nutritious food.

Lidl GB corporate affairs director Georgina Hall said: “As busy families prepare for six weeks without the school routine, we know that providing healthy meals can feel challenging.

“Our Lidl Foodies Summer Clubs will give kids hands-on experience in the kitchen while making healthy food preparation fun, helping to build their enjoyment of fruit and vegetables.”

OnSide chief executive Jamie Masraff added: “Through our network of Youth Zones, we’re creating opportunities for around 1,000 young people to come together, learn practical cooking skills, build confidence and have fun in a safe, supportive environment.

“We’re proud to be working with Lidl to help inspire healthier habits while giving young people experiences and skills that can make a lasting difference.”

The research also identified gaps in children’s understanding of healthy eating. Some 19 per cent believed strawberry milkshake and tomato ketchup counted towards their five-a-day, while 12 per cent considered chips a healthy option.

A further 9 per cent thought ice cream and cake could count towards their five-a-day.

Lidl is working with clinical psychologist Dr Anna Colton, author of How To Talk To Children About Food, to provide parents with advice on encouraging healthy eating habits.

The retailer is also offering families the opportunity to win £25 Lidl vouchers through its app during the summer holidays.

The Censuswide research surveyed 1,000 children aged eight to 11, excluding Northern Ireland, and their parents between 16 and 26 June 2026.

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