State government parliamentary secretary for health Georgie Crozier visited Bendigo on Tuesday to promote the new "Health Together" community kitchen project. 

"We're really excited because it's re-skilling people within the community," Ms Crozier said. 

She said the project was part of a wider effort to curb people's intake of toxic fat and reduce chronic health issues, especially obesity. 

People aged 16 and over can sign up for the four-week program from November to June next year to learn basic cooking skills, and how to buy seasonal fruit and vegetables.

The program can take 360 people and will run in Kangaroo Flat, Long Gully, Eaglehawk, Epsom, Huntly and Heathcote.

The City of Greater Bendigo's manager of active and healthy communities Pat Jess said the program was designed to reach people who lacked cooking skills. 

"We've got strong data showing that Greater Bendigo residents are not getting enough fruit and vegetables in their diet," Mr Jess said.

Mr Jess said the council hoped the program would influence the eating habits of 8,500 people via those who did the course.

City of Greater Bendigo chief executive Craig Niemann said council's recent Food Security Report highlighted challenges people face in accessing healthy food.

Mr Niemann said he hoped the program could reverse a trend towards fast food consumption. 

Bendigo Community Health Services senior manager of prevention and population health Kaye Graves said knowledge gained from classes could be passed on to family members. 

"Not all of us know how valuable it can be to prepare and cook fresh, healthy food but it's never too late to learn," Ms Graves said.

To register for cooking classes, call 4408 6573.