London council where 40% of children are overweight to use Jamie Oliver recipes to tackle obesity

The popular television chef will teach parents and teachers how to cook healthy meals to put an end to childhood obesity in the area.

Jamie Oliver, 49, is known for his controversial takes on school dinners, including trying to ban Turkey Twizzlers for good.

And while not everyone agrees, he has a clear mission in mind; to stop rising rates of obesity – especially in kids.

Now, for the first time, he’s bringing his Ministry of Food programme to primary schools in the London area where 40% of 10 year olds are classed as overweight, reports Need To Know.

Jamie Oliver brings his Ministry of Food program to London schools to tackle childhood obesity. The initiative will teach families to cook healthy, affordable meals, impacting over 1,100 people in its first year. — *Jamie Oliver working on his Ministry of Food programme. (Jam Press/@jamieoliver)*

Hounslow Council is reported to have the fourth highest level of adult obesity in the capital and recently, became the first in North West London to restrict advertising of unhealthy foods.

An instructor from Jamie Oliver’s team will train 14 teachers, parents and community workers recipes such as lentil and spinach soup, veggie burritos and chickpea curry.

Alongside this, there will also be lessons on food safety, hygiene, nutrition and food waste.

The schools included are Green Dragon Primary School in Brentford, Westbrook Primary School in Heston, Ivybridge Primary School in Isleworth and Beavers Community Primary School in Cranford.

It’s expected that within the first year, the programme will reach over 1,100 people.

The council is providing each school with a £500 starter kit and equipment.

While Jamie says there is “no easy fix” when it comes to obesity, it’s hoped this will help families make healthier choices.

The father-of-five rolled out the scheme in Rotherham for Channel 4 back in 2008, where he aimed to bring back cookery skills.

Due to his shocking findings, he decided to launch the programme permanently and has since worked with local councils, charities and other partners worldwide.

According to the official Ministry of Food website, those who completed the programme have cut the number of unhealthy snacks by 50% and cook at home 20% more regularly.

Councillor Salman Shaheen, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Public Spaces on Hounslow Council, said: “Hounslow’s obesity rates are alarmingly high.

“We know that childhood obesity can store up big problems in later life, and we also know that health inequalities are greatest in those areas with the highest poverty.

“That’s why we need targeted interventions from an early age to help young children and their families in the most deprived areas lead healthier lives and cooking can be a big part of that.

“I’m pleased to be partnering with Jamie Oliver to deliver his Ministry of Food’s first programme directly targeted at primary school children and their families.

“It will help get kids and parents cooking healthy, affordable, sustainable meals, showing them that preparing nutritious food from scratch can be a lot of fun […]

“I hope to expand it in future years to build a healthier Hounslow for the next generation.”