Cairns charity cook-off shows healthy food can be cooked on a budget

A CAIRNS charity cook-off has shown that healthy meals do not need to take a huge bite from the family budget. Find out some of the best budget dishes.

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HEALTHY meals do not need to take a huge bite from the family budget, a charity cook-off showed yesterday.

The budget bites challenge was held to showcase what could be achieved by families that needed to stick to a tight budget.

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The Star 107.5FM team pipped the Cairns Post by the slimmest of margins as competitors demonstrated that a healthy three-course meal could be achieved through the Anglicare Food Bank for $10.

This year’s Budget for Bites challenge was held to raise awareness prior to the start of Poverty Week on Sunday.

Quigley Night Shelter chef Regan Dorain and Cairns Cooking School chef Catherine Pacey with some of the ingredients they used at the the Cairns Alliance of Social Services, Budget Bites challenge PICTURE: ANNA ROGERS

“The week gives us an opportunity to make a difference, to help fight issues of poverty and hardship and ultimately strengthen public understanding of the causes and consequences of poverty and hardship around the world and in Australia,” a Cairns Alliance of Social Services spokeswoman said.

“Poverty can affect anyone and many Australians frequently have to make the choice between missing a meal so they can pay a bill or for a child’s uniform.”

Budget dishes included Korean Bulgogi stir-fry, charred eggplant crostini with yoghurt dressing and Malaysian pilaf accompanied with Asian inspired meatballs.

Originally published as Cairns charity cook-off shows healthy food can be cooked on a budget