Jamie’s Ministry of Food launched in Victoria

Jamie Oliver has joined forces with the Victorian Government to launch Jamie’s Ministry of Food as part of the Victorian Government’s efforts to tackle diet-related disease.

Health Minister David Davis launched the Ministry on 6 March as part of the Victorian Healthy Eating Enterprise (VHEE).

Jamie’s Ministry of Food is a community-focused program that teaches basic cooking skills and good nutrition to non-cooks, regardless of age, demographic or ethnicity to improve their quality of life and health.

The government has committed $2.87 million to establishing the Ministry in Victoria, with The Good Guys’ charity, The Good Foundation, contributing a further $2.54 million through its partners.

“The Ministry of Food is so simple in what it does: it’s about celebrating great food with guidance, love, care and attention. It’s for anyone over the age of 12, from any background and it really does change lives,” said Jamie Oliver.

Queensland’s Ministry of Food, established in April 2011, has had a positive effect on the Ipswich community. Alicia Peardon, Program Director for Jamie’s Ministry of Food Australia, said, “Jamie’s Ministry of Food in Queensland has delivered remarkable outcomes for Ipswich locals, with more people tuned in to the importance of healthy eating than ever. You spend just five minutes in the centre and you can see it changing people’s lives. It really is truly empowering.”