A showery day did not deter an enthusiastic crowd from turning out on Tuesday to celebrate the 2nd Birthday of Jamie's Ministry of Food in Bradford.

Since it opened in 2009, the staff of the John Street center have introduced many hundreds of local people to cookery- teaching them how to prepare great food from scratch whilst also giving them vital tips on diet and nutrition. Project Manager, Soraya Overend, and Food Trainer, Lisa McLoughlin [pictured above] reckon that, together with their colleague, Andie Laidlaw, the Bradford’s Ministry of Food has cooked over 6000 meals in the last 18 months alone – an amazing statistic! Certainly, it is clear that the project is very well supported in the city – classes are already booked-up until the end of the year with children’s holiday sessions being especially popular.



Among the learners I had the great pleasure of meeting at the party, were William [aged 89] and Hannah [7]. They are proof positive that the Ministry of Food campaign engages with, and can benefit, everyone- regardless of age or background. Both are certainly passionate advocates for the project.William admits that learning to cook with MOF Bradford has been a life-changing experience as, up until his wife's death, he'd never cooked and couldn't even boil an egg. Hannah, meanwhile, begged her Mum to sign her up for classes even though she was, at that stage, only 6. Both have now completed more than one full 10-week course at the center and, because they enjoy cooking so much, they continue to attend sessions regularly to learn yet more fabulous Jamie recipes. Moreover, according to her Granny, if given the chance, Hannah, [who says she wants to be a chef] also now loves to cook for her family and friends.

They were just 2 of the terrific people I met at the celebrations with stories of how the Ministry of Food has made a difference to their lives. All told, it is clear that the center is having an amazing impact on very many people in Bradford and, obviously, huge thanks are due to Soraya, Lisa and Andie for their unstinting hard work and constant enthusiasm, as well as to Bradford Metropolitan District Council for its continuing commitment to the project.

Jamie, who was unfortunately unable to attend the event, sent a message and added his own personal thanks to the team and the Council in the following terms:

"When I visited this Ministry of Food center last year, I was completely blown away by the passion that the staff put into the classes, and although I can’t be there today to help celebrate your birthday, please know that I look back on that day as a proud one.

There are many people who need to be thanked but none more so than Soraya Overend who is a true inspiration. She has worked tirelessly since the center opened two years ago and I know that there are people across Bradford who owe a huge debt to the dedication of Soraya, and her amazing colleagues Lisa McLoughlin and Andie Laidlaw.

In addition, this wonderful center would not be possible without the whole-hearted support and management of Colin Wolstenholme at the Bradford Council Markets team and I would also like to pay tribute to Bradford Metropolitan District Council. It’s not often that I come across people in local government who are truly forward-thinking but Bradford are one of the shining examples of what can be done and they deserve my personal thanks.

For the Council to support the Ministry in such difficult economic circumstances is truly invaluable. I know it’s not easy at the moment. I know there are many, many demands on the Council’s finances and that budgets are being cut. The fact that there are people within the Council who realize and understand that Soraya and her team are doing important educational work here and must be supported – that in itself should be an inspiration for other councils.

So happy birthday, Bradford. Have a wonderful day. And here’s to celebrating your third birthday."

Lots of love to you all.

Jamie


About the author: Camilla Cameron manages Jamie's Ministry of Food.