Starting a New Men's Kitchen
Congratulations and thank you for your interest in starting up a new Men’s Kitchen in your area. On this page we will try and answer some of the more frequently asked questions by those considering forming a Men’s Kitchen.
Why should I start a Men’s Kitchen in my area?
For a couple of reasons really. Firstly, there is a huge need, in our age group the men went to work and earned the family income and the women generally ran the family and household. As a result, many men over 60 just have no idea of what to do to prepare a meal. As we age, the likelihood of the man in the house needing to prepare meals becomes increasingly likely.
By forming a Men’s Kitchen in your area, you would be providing a forum for these blokes to pick up some kitchen skills in a friendly social environment. Many find the thought of creating such a place very rewarding, and once they start a Men’s Kitchen operation, that reward is realised.
Does it matter where I live?
No, not really, but there are some practicalities. Each Cooking Session needs to have 6-10 regular attendees plus a Cooking Instructor. You will also need to find a venue with a kitchen suitable for that many people.
How will I know if there are enough older men in my area?
We can assist here, as Men’s Kitchens are arranged by Local Government Area, to help us grow, we have gathered the ABS population statistics about all Australian LGAs and will be able to guide you in determining how many men over 60 are living in your LGA.
Not that those stats are the real determinant, the real question to be asked is: “Can I get 10 local men interested?”
What skills are needed?
To start up a Men’s Kitchen we are looking to have two people work with us to get your Kitchen started in your area. You will need someone to manage the administrative aspects of the Kitchen, willing to do the paperwork and organising plus someone who is a very experienced cook and willing to conduct at least one Cooking Session per month.. We can assist with the locating of a suitable cook.
Plus of course 6-10 blokes wanting to learn how to cook, but that will come later.
How much time will it take?
To initially set up the Kitchen it will probably take three to six months elapsed time to: identify the two people mentioned above and train them in our processes; to recruit 6-10 men; and to locate and set up a Kitchen to suit your operation.
Who do I need to help me?
Depending on your skills, to get started, you will need someone to manage the administrative aspects of the Kitchen plus someone who is a very experienced cook.
We can assist in many ways, by providing recruiting literature, training programs, speakers, and ongoing guidance.
How many men are needed to form a Men’s Kitchen?
Only two people are needed initially to start the ball rolling, but before you conduct your first Cooking Session at least six older men will be required who are wanting to join.
Where can I set up a Men’s Kitchen?
The venue for a Men’s Kitchen is typically some sort of a public building with a suitable kitchen. You may find that in a council facility, church hall, school facility or a commercial kitchen. We can assist in the process of selecting and suitably equipping your kitchen.
What assistance can you offer me to set up a Men’s Kitchen?
We can assist in many ways, from providing speakers to talk about the Men’s Kitchen at a public meeting, to providing training and documentation to support your rollout process. We have the experience to pass on to help your efforts to set up your Men’s Kitchen. We may also be able to assist you financially to help set up your kitchen.
Can women assist?
Absolutely! In our age group it is the men who need to develop their kitchen skills, but it is the women have the years of kitchen experience. We welcome women to join us in a voluntary capacity to take on some of the roles needed to run your local Men’s Kitchen.
Regardless of where you live please register your interest with us. Either email us on info@fmk.org.au or give us a call on 0411 476 532.
When you do contact us, please advise us:
- If you are an experienced chef, home economist or a fantastic home cook wanting to teach older men some basic kitchen skills in a friendly social environment; or
- If you are not a great cook, but simply keen to get a Men’s Kitchen in your area because you can see the need and are willing to assist in any way to do so; or
- If you are a bloke wanting to learn how to cook, but there is no Men’s Kitchen in your area.
We would love to hear from you and be willing to work with you to establish a Men’s Kitchen in your area.
Old Dogs. New Tricks. Great Mates.