WHY DID YOU SET UP LITTLE LUNCHES?
I retrained on a professional cooking course while on maternity leave with my second child. Meanwhile, my toddler son had changed from happily eating most foods to being an incredibly fussy eater. Cooking nutritionally balanced meals was never the issue, but the challenge was getting him to actually eat them. I realised there was an opportunity to have a positive impact within a nursery setting. When little ones are away from their parents and surrounded by their friends, the game changes.
HOW DOES LITTLE LUNCHES WORK?
Little Lunches provide delicious, freshly cooked, nutritionally balanced meals delivered straight to the nursery kitchen. Eating habits are developed at an early age and the food we provide children allows them to quickly acclimatise to food of different colours and textures, or from other cultures. This ensures that as they grow, their curiosity and willingness to try new things is enhanced rather than curbed. I first approached my children's nursery, Colinton Private Nursery in Edinburgh, suggesting we pilot a daily delivery of hot lunches and cold afternoon teas.
HOW HAS THE IDEA DEVELOPED?
We now provide lunches for five nurseries and more than 120 children daily. In February we opened the Playroom, a family-friendly café, playroom and children's party venue in Edinburgh. We currently employ ten people including three chefs. We love being able to offer a safe and friendly place where good food habits are encouraged as well.
HOW DID IT FEEL TO WIN FOOD ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR AT THE SCOTTISH WOMEN'S AWARDS?
Amazing! I was so surprised to be shortlisted as a finalist. We went to the awards dinner mainly just excited to have a child-free night. I had absolutely no expectations whatsoever about winning the award, especially in such a strong category. I couldn't believe it when my name was called.
