News: Rotherham Ministry of Food has the recipe for success

The Ministry of Food in Rotherham town centre is going strong three years after being established by celebrity chef and healthy food campaigner Jamie Oliver.

The project is now a social enterprise, a not-for-profit organisation, that is still supported by the chef and his team as well as Rotherham Borough Council, the NHS and Voluntary Action Rotherham.

The centre in All Saints' Square has launched a number of income-generating projects including children's birthday parties and Summer Cook Clubs.

A recent event saw the team put on a comprehensive programme of cookery at the new Curry's Megastore's state-of-the-art kitchen at Parkgate.

In collaboration with Rotherham College's catering department, local chefs and suppliers, the Ministry of Food held cookery sessions, demonstrations, tastings as well as master classes.

"We are always looking at ways to expand our business," said Jan Davies, manager of the Ministry of Food. "So it was wonderful when we were approached by Curry's to organise events in their new amazing kitchen. They have also kindly donated electrical equipment to be used as prizes for our third birthday party next month."

On Wednesday, August 17, the project will be holding a fun day in Rotherham's All Saints Square with cooking demonstrations and activities for children.

Jan added: "The MoF is thriving - a real recipe for success. Financially we are independent and all our income comes from the fees we charge, income we earn through food sales and any funding grants we attract.

"However, our vision continues to try and make Rotherham and South Yorkshire a healthier place to live. We can do this by showing children and adults how to cook healthy, tasty meals, quickly, simply and economically, using fresh, seasonal ingredients from local suppliers.

"We work closely with the NHS promoting the benefits of healthy eating, working particularly with people who live in some of the poorest areas in the country. We can help to transform peoples' lives because eating more healthily really does improves health and wellbeing.

"We also work closely with schools, children's' centres, community groups and businesses in Rotherham and throughout the county providing fun cooking sessions in easy, bite-size chunks."

The scheme also offers volunteering opportunities and work experience placements for secondary school students and people wanting to enhance their CV and improve their employability.

Ministry of Food website

Images: mofrotherham.co.uk