Renowned chef Jamie Oliver, 49, is taking his fight against childhood obesity to primary schools in London through his Ministry of Food programme.
Known for his crusade to improve school meals—famously campaigning to ban Turkey Twizzlers—Oliver is focusing on teaching parents, teachers, and community workers how to cook healthy, affordable meals from scratch.
The initiative will launch in areas like Hounslow, where 40% of 10-year-olds are considered overweight, and adult obesity rates rank among the highest in London.
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Four schools—Green Dragon Primary in Brentford, Westbrook Primary in Heston, Ivybridge Primary in Isleworth, and Beavers Community Primary in Cranford—will participate in the first rollout.
An instructor from Oliver’s team will teach participants recipes such as lentil and spinach soup, veggie burritos, and chickpea curry, along with lessons on food safety, nutrition, hygiene, and reducing food waste.
Hounslow Council, which recently restricted unhealthy food advertising, is providing each school with a £500 starter kit to support the programme.
Within its first year, the project aims to reach over 1,100 people, equipping families with the skills and confidence to make healthier choices.
Oliver introduced the Ministry of Food concept in Rotherham in 2008 during a Channel 4 series, revealing stark inequalities in cookery skills and access to healthy food.
Since then, the programme has expanded globally, supported by local councils and charities.
Data from the initiative shows participants reduce unhealthy snacks by 50% and cook at home 20% more often.
Hounslow Councillor Salman Shaheen highlighted the urgency of tackling obesity, particularly in deprived areas where health inequalities are most pronounced.
He emphasized that teaching young children and their families to cook nutritious meals can be transformative, paving the way for long-term health benefits.
Praising Oliver’s involvement, Shaheen expressed hopes to expand the programme in the future, envisioning a healthier, more sustainable Hounslow for the next generation.
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SOURCE: London council where 40% of children are overweight to use Jamie Oliver recipes to tackle obesity
