Whanau Cookbook
We have put together a cookbook which uses many of the items we generally have available at the Foodbank. This cookbook is made available to clients receiving a food parcel. The image above is the Meat Loaf recipe.
You can download a PDF version of the cookbook below or click on the cover image of the cookbook on this page to open it in a flip book format.
Cooking & Nutrition Tips with Sue
Sue has a MSc in Nutrition and Public Health. She is keen to share her knowledge with you. In the video’s below, Sue talks about and demonstrates some practical ways you can prepare healthy and nutritious meals for you and your family cost effectively. All meals made are from the Whanau Cookbook above.
The 4 Food Groups & we make a Tuna & Pasta Pie
In this video Sue talks about the 4 Food Groups which underpin everything in terms of nutrition and healthy eating and she makes a Tuna and Pasta Pie. The recipe comes from the Matamata Whanau Cookbook page 33. You can find the cookbook above. This meal cost $6.10 (September 2025) and should feed a family of up to 4.
Healthier ways of cooking & we make Fried Rice
In this video Sue talks about healthier ways of cooking our meals and she makes Fried Rice. The recipe comes from the Matamata Whanau Cookbook page 24. You can find the cookbook above. This meal cost $3.15 (October 2025) and should feed a family of up to 4.
Mac n Cheese and Tips on saving money
In this video Sue makes Mac n Cheese and talks about tips on saving money. The Mac n Cheese recipe comes from the Matamata Whanau Cookbook page 25. You can print or download the cookbook above. This meal cost $7.10 (NZ) and should feed a family of up to 4-6.
Spaghetti Bolognaise & part 1 of weight management
In this video Sue makes Spaghetti Bolognaise and covers off part 1 of weight management. The recipe comes from the Matamata Whanau Cookbook page 31. You can print or download the cookbook above. The Spaghetti Bolognaise including the Chilli Beans cost around $13 (NZ) and should feed a family of 6 -8. Serve with Nachos or pasta.
Good & Bad Oils / Fats & we make a Chicken & Chickpea Curry
In this video Sue talks about the good and bad fats and oils, and she makes a Chicken and Chickpea Curry. The recipe is from the Matamata Whanau Cookbook page 16. You can find the cookbook above. This meal cost $9.90 (September 2025) and should feed a family of up to 6.
Meal Planning & we make a Corn Fritters
In this video Sue talks about the importance of Meal Planning. Sue also makes a some Corn Pancakes (Fritters). The recipe comes from the Matamata Whanau Cookbook page 7. You can find the cookbook above. This meal cost $3.20 (NZ) and should feed a family of 4 – 6.
Home made burgers and Food Safety
In this video Sue makes Burgers and talks about Food Safety tips to avoid food poisoning. The recipe comes from the Matamata Cookbook page 17. You can print or download the cookbook above. This meal cost $10.50 and makes patties for 6-8 burgers. Add your choice of toppings.
BBQ meal and Part 2 of Weight Management
In this video Sue completes part 2 on Weight management strategies. She then makes a Coleslaw (recipe comes from the Matamata Whanau Cookbook page 6), and talks about how to make a Potatoe salad. Next Sue makes home made garlic bread and prepares sweetcorn and Chicken and Steak kababs for a family BBQ. This BBQ meal should feed a family of 6 (2 Adults and 4 children) and cost $35 NZ.