ALMA Cooking Support

21/08/2026

Through change, our purpose remains the same. ❤️

This week has brought more changes to the NDIS, and we know that change can bring questions and uncertainty for participants, families and everyone within the disability community.

At ALMA Cooking Support, our focus remains where it has always been — on the person in front of us.

Cooking is simply the tool we use to create opportunities to learn, build confidence, develop independence, connect with others and feel proud of what you can achieve.

Sometimes progress is learning a new skill. Sometimes it’s trying something unfamiliar, making a decision independently, joining a conversation, or simply feeling comfortable enough to be yourself.

Whatever changes happen around us, we will continue to focus on providing meaningful, individualised support and creating a welcoming space where people can learn and grow at their own pace.

To our participants, families, support workers and the wider NDIS community navigating these changes — we’re alongside you. ❤️

Davide & Livia
ALMA Cooking Support

12/08/2026

🍗 KFC-style Popcorn Chicken — made from scratch!

One of the things we love exploring in our cooking sessions is how some of our favourite takeaway foods can be recreated at home in a fresher, healthier way.

This week, it was Popcorn Chicken! 🙌

A few of our participants were surprised by how similar the flavour was to the takeaway version — but they also noticed a big difference in how it felt to eat. Same kind of delicious, crispy flavour, but fresher, lighter and made with ingredients we know.

It’s a great way to show that eating healthier doesn’t always mean giving up the foods we enjoy. Sometimes, it’s simply about learning how to make them differently. 👨‍🍳💛

And of course, learning to make your favourite takeaway at home is another great step towards confidence and independence in the kitchen.

31/07/2026

There’s something special happening at our Social Cooking Nights. ❤️🔥

What started as a few people cooking together has grown into three wonderful groups where familiar faces, shared meals, and plenty of laughs are helping friendships grow.

Every few weeks we come together to cook, eat, play games, and simply enjoy each other's company. Along the way, participants are building confidence, practising social skills, learning teamwork, and creating meaningful connections in a safe and welcoming environment.

Sometimes the best moments happen after the cooking is finished... gathered around the bonfire, sharing stories, roasting marshmallows, and enjoying being part of a group.

Seeing these friendships develop over time is exactly why we created our Social Cooking Nights. 💛

17/07/2026

Happy weekend from all of us at ALMA Cooking Support! 🌿🍴

Here's a little look at some of the delicious creations our participants have been making in the kitchen recently.

We love seeing everyone's progress, one meal at a time. 💚

Wishing you all a relaxing weekend and maybe a little inspiration to cook something delicious at home!

10/07/2026

🎂 Birthday weeks are always a little sweeter at ALMA! 💙

When one of our participants joins us during their birthday week, we celebrate by making a birthday cake together! 🎉

Every birthday is a chance to slow down, celebrate another year of growth, share a few laughs, and enjoy something delicious made with pride. It's one of our favourite traditions in the kitchen, and we love seeing our participants shine on their special day.

Happy Birthday to this week's birthday chef! We hope your year ahead is filled with happiness, confidence, and many more delicious creations. 🥳🎈

03/07/2026

At ALMA, we believe healthy meals don't have to be complicated.

One of the simple habits we encourage in every session is adding plenty of colour to the plate. 🥕🥦🍅🌽 Different coloured vegetables provide different nutrients, while also making meals more appealing and enjoyable.

Through cooking, our participants learn that small, healthy choices can make a big difference. Building confidence in the kitchen starts with simple recipes, fresh ingredients, and colourful plates. 💚

22/06/2026

We're back! 🍳❤️

After a wonderful family holiday, we're excited to be back in the kitchen with our amazing ALMA community.

One of our favourite holiday memories was joining a local family cooking class in Nusa Lembongan with Lembongan Cooking and Dining Experience . It was a beautiful reminder that food connects people, cultures, and communities wherever we go.

Thank you for the warm welcome and inspiration! 🙏

We're refreshed, inspired, and ready for another term of cooking, learning, confidence-building, and friendship. See you all soon! 💛

04/06/2026

The kitchen might be taking a little holiday, but we couldn't leave without showing off some of these amazing creations first! 🍽️✨

Every meal is more than just food — it's an opportunity to build confidence, learn new skills, and have fun along the way.

We'll be taking a break from 6 June to 17 June and look forward to returning on 18 June for more cooking adventures.

22/05/2026

Nothing says comfort like a warm bowl of homemade soup on a cold day 🍲❄️

Cooking comforting food together is not just about the final dish — it’s about building confidence, independence, creativity, and sharing moments around food.

Winter is definitely soup season at our kitchen ❤️

13/05/2026

We loved reading this article about helping young people explore new foods and build confidence around eating. 🍅🥦🥕

This is very similar to the approach we believe in during our cooking sessions.
Food should never feel forced or overwhelming — it should be explored through curiosity, participation, routine, and positive experiences.

Many participants start with a very limited range of foods or feel unsure about trying new ingredients. Through cooking, touching, smelling, preparing, and sharing meals together, we often see confidence slowly grow over time.

Sometimes it starts with tasting a new vegetable.
Sometimes it starts with simply having it on the plate.
And sometimes, a participant who once only ate plain foods is suddenly excited to cook something completely new.

Small steps can create big changes. 💛

Article from The Age

How do young people with strict eating habits learn to try new foods? A Melbourne school has found a way.