The free program aims to increase cooking skills and nutrition knowledge and positively impact eating and cooking behaviours, with participants each receiving a Coles gift card at the completion of the course.

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Spokeswoman Helen Tran said the majority of participants had reported feeling lonely or disconnected before they started while "the workshops were a welcome relief".

"We've had a lot of people say it was a good distraction for their week," Mrs Tran said. "We know restrictions are going to ease but will still be around a little bit longer, so hope this program connects people ... and positively influences their cooking and eating behaviours as well."

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Retired chef Karen Dunlop of the Shoalhaven said being part of the online course during a turbulent time stimulated her appetite to cook again and give her something to look forward to.

For more details and to register: https://healthycities.org.au/programs/cook-chill-chat/

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