Jamie Oliver’s Ministry of Food, the first Australian centre, opened its doors in Ipswich, Queensland today. Thanks to The Good Guys, the QLD State Government and The Good Foundation, the community-focused program will inspire people to get back to basics in the kitchen. The center will offer a 10 week cooking course, comprising of one 90 minute cooking class per week. Each class has 12 participants and are completely hands-on so participants get to see, smell, feel and taste everything they cook. “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, from any background and it really does change lives,” Jamie Oliver says.

“Based on current trends, 30% of Queensland adults will be obese by 2020 and our Government is determined to do all we can to turn those figures around,” Queensland Premier, Anna Bligh says. “That’s why we’ve invested $2.5 million over four years in this program. “This is about sharing the joy of fresh food and inspiring a passion for home cooking in local communities. I know, that through initiatives like this, we can make Queenslander’s Australia’s healthiest people.” Jamie’s Ministry of Food is one way Queenslanders can become better equipped to cook healthy meals, feel more confident in the kitchen and maintain a healthier weight. “Jamie’s Ministry of Food provides people with the tools and information to make better choices about food. It’s a little bit of mentoring, hints, tips, shortcuts, how to shop, how to save money and how to make beautiful, quick tasty meals," Jamie’s Ministry of Food Australia Program Director, Alicia Peardon says.

Jamie’s plans to tackle Australia’s obesity crisis head on goes beyond Ipswich. “I’m so excited for Australia, a country that I love. Our dream is to open up more of these Centre’s, at least one in every state. Thanks to partners like my friends at The Good Guys who started this dream with me and now the Queensland State Government who were the first State to come on board, hopefully there will be even more.” Australia is now one of the most obese countries in the world. Changes in family life, the rise of convenience foods, and a lack of compulsory food education in schools has resulted in huge numbers of people losing touch with one of life’s most essential skills: cooking. Jamie passionately believes that the most effective way to combat this lack of knowledge is to tackle it head on, with good information and practical cooking lessons for everyone. Jamie’s Ministry of Food Australia plans to build, equip and run permanent and mobile centers around the country.

Jamie’s Ministry of Food is now open to the public. People can sign up for classes at jamiesministryoffood.com.

The Good Foundation is proud to recognize the following supporters of Jamie’s Ministry of Food Australia; The Good Guys, QLD State Government, Westinghouse, Lumo Energy, Ipswich City Council, Breville, Tefal, McPhersons and Churchill.

About the author: Alicia Peardon, Program Director, Ministry of Food Australia