How to organize a nutrition workshop
A nutrition workshop needs more than recipes and a few worktables. Start by fixing the venue, session format, recipes, and participant numbers, then build registration around dietary requirements and allergies. Prepare recipe cards and worksheets before shopping, and separate shelf-stable ingredients from refrigerated products. On the day, allow time for washing and cutting ingredients, setting up tasting stations, checking equipment and power, and registering participants before the first demonstration.
The plan, step by step
Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.
Preparations
- 1
Reserve the venue and hall
- 2
Set program and recipes
2 people
- 3
Send invitations
- 4
Open the registration form
- 5
Process registrations
- 6
Collect dietary requirements
- 7
Confirm participants
- 8
Check dietary requirements
2 people
- 9
Prepare recipe cards
- 10
Print worksheets
- 11
Make name badges
- 12
Do the shopping
2 people
- 13
Set out non-perishable groceries
- 14
Check refrigerated products
- 15
Wash and cut ingredients
3 people
- 16
Prepare tasting stations
2 people
- 17
Chill drinks
- 18
Set up tables and chairs
3 people
- 19
Set out worksheets and materials
2 people
- 20
Set up the presentation table
- 21
Set up registration desk
- 22
Set up the handwashing station
- 23
Check safety and allergens
2 people
Event
- 24
Receive participants
2 people
- 25
Register attendance
- 26
Explain the workshop and hygiene
- 27
Give a nutrition presentation
- 28
Give a cooking demo
2 people
- 29
Divide participants into groups
2 people
- 30
Guide participants during preparation
4 people
- 31
Refill drinks and ingredients
2 people
- 32
Clean workstations in between
2 people
- 33
Serve dishes
3 people
- 34
Tasting together
2 people
- 35
Handle questions and feeding advice
2 people
- 36
Hand out worksheets and recipes
- 37
See participants off
2 people
Aftercare
- 38
Package leftover food
2 people
- 39
Wash dishes and kitchen utensils
3 people
- 40
Clear tables and chairs
3 people
- 41
Thoroughly clean the workspace
2 people
- 42
Sort and dispose of waste
2 people
- 43
Check and store the materials
2 people
- 44
Leave the venue tidy
2 people
What to bring
Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.
Furniture
- Work tablesqty 6
- Chairsqty 36
- Presentation table
- Registration desk
- Waste binsqty 4
Tableware
- Platesqty 40
- Bowlsqty 40
- Drinking glassesqty 40
- Mugsqty 36
- Cutlery setsqty 40
Kitchen
- Cutting boardsqty 8
- Paring knivesqty 12
- Mixing bowlsqty 8
- Measuring cupsqty 6
- Measuring spoonsqty 6
- Serving plattersqty 8
- Serving spoonsqty 8
- Whiskqty 6
- Vegetable peelersqty 6
- Cutting board matsqty 12
Equipment
- Hot platesqty 4
- Kettlesqty 2
- Immersion blendersqty 3
- Coolersqty 3
- Extension cordsqty 4
- Power stripsqty 4
- Flip chart
- Flipchart markersqty 8
Stationery
- Name badge holdersqty 36
- Pen setsqty 36
- Sticky notesqty 4
- Allergen cardsqty 36
Cleaning
- Washing-up bowlsqty 3
- Reusable clothsqty 12
- Bucketsqty 3
- Broom setsqty 2
- Mop headsqty 2
Catering
- Groceries
Tips
- Set the program and recipes before opening registration. For each recipe, note the preparation method, tasting time, required equipment, and whether participants work in pairs or individually.
- Close registration early enough to check dietary requirements properly. Aim to review every response at least 5β7 days before the workshop and contact anyone whose needs are unclear.
- Shop in two stages: buy non-perishable groceries first, then purchase refrigerated products close to the workshop. Check chilled items again on the day and keep them in coolers until setup is complete.
- Prepare workstations in the order people will use them. Put cutting boards, knives, bowls, measuring tools, and recipe cards at each table, while keeping hot plates, kettles, and immersion blenders near suitable power points.
- Do a safety check before participants arrive. Keep handwashing supplies, waste bins, allergen information, and clean serving utensils visible, and test extension cords and power strips before food preparation begins.
Frequently asked questions
- How far in advance should I plan a nutrition workshop?
- Reserve the venue and set the program at least 4β6 weeks ahead. Open registration once the recipes, capacity, and dietary information process are ready, then use the final 5β7 days for confirmations and ingredient checks.
- How do I collect dietary requirements for a nutrition workshop?
- Add a required dietary-requirements question to the registration form, including allergies, intolerances, and preferences. Review the answers 5β7 days before the workshop and confirm any unclear information directly with the participant.
- When should I prepare ingredients for a nutrition workshop?
- Wash and cut ingredients as close to the workshop as practical, usually on the same day or the evening before if storage is safe. Keep refrigerated products chilled and set out shelf-stable groceries separately so nothing is overlooked.
- How early should I set up a nutrition workshop?
- Allow at least 90 minutes for tables, chairs, registration, handwashing, presentation materials, ingredients, tasting stations, and equipment checks. Finish the safety and allergen review before participants begin arriving.
Start this plan in Lizzt
Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.
Organize this event for free with LizztOrganize for free and invite your contacts!