A groundbreaking children's cookbook created by Maltese NGO NWAMI International Malta (NIM) has been recognised on the global stage, securing three nominations at the esteemed Gourmand World Cookbook Awards 2025. This marks a historic moment for Malta, as the nation's first educational zero waste cookbook for children gains international acclaim.
The Foodwise Kids - Fun Zero Waste Cooking Adventures cookbook, launched in 2024 as part of NIM's innovative Foodwise Families Project has been shortlisted in the categories of Best Schoolchildren's Cookbook, Best European Fundraising Cookbook, and Best Front Cover. The winners will be announced in November 2025.
Maria-Gabrielle Doublesin, President of NWAMI International Malta, expressed her delight at the recognition, stating: "These nominations from the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards - an institution that has celebrated excellence in food and drink publishing for over three decades - underscore the significance of this project. Our goal was to inspire children to embrace zero waste cooking while discovering flavours from around the world. This acknowledgement fuels our passion to continue educating young minds on sustainability and cultural appreciation through food."
The Foodwise Kids - Fun Zero Waste Cooking Adventures cookbook is designed for budding young chefs aged 6 to 14 and offers an exciting collection of global recipes that creatively transform food scraps into delicious dishes. Beyond recipes, the book features interactive activities, eco-friendly tips, and an "economics for kids" section, equipping young readers with practical knowledge on sustainability. The visually striking front cover, now nominated for an award, was designed by Gael Ferrgalia Bustos at the age of 11, reflecting the book's commitment to showcasing young talent.
The Foodwise Families project, supported by APS Bank and Hive Digital, extends beyond the pages of the cookbook. A series of engaging cooking workshops have brought families from diverse backgrounds together to learn hands-on zero waste cooking techniques. These workshops will continue in 2025, empowering even more participants with skills to reduce food waste and lessen their environmental footprint.
The Gourmand World Cookbook Awards, founded in 1995 by Édouard Cointreau, are widely regarded as the 'Oscars' of food publishing. The awards honour the best cookbooks, recognising outstanding contributions to culinary literature across the globe. For Malta, NIM's nominations mark a significant achievement, spotlighting the country's commitment to sustainability, education, and cultural diversity on an international platform.
The Foodwise Kids Fun Zero Waste Cooking Adventures cookbook is available in exchange for a donation, with proceeds supporting future NIM projects.