Bradford to host Jamie Oliver healthy eating centre

A store at John Street, near the Oastler Shopping Centre, has been transformed as part of the project, which has proved a success in Rotherham.

The training and demonstration kitchen is being fitted out and will offer classes to help local people cook fresh food on a budget and eat a balanced diet. People will be encouraged to call in and see demonstrations, and will also be able to sign up to longer courses.

The centre was set up following Mr Oliver’s visit to Bradford for his TV series in which a group of people learnt to cook and passed on their skills to others.

Bradford Council is working with partners including Bradford College and the Bradford and Airedale PCT to develop the project.

Council leader, Councillor Kris Hopkins, said: “This is a great opportunity for people in Bradford to get cooking. Using fresh, local ingredients, people can learn how to cook nutritious meals on a budget and understand the benefits of a healthy diet.”

Mr Oliver added: “The Council has shown a real forward-thinking attitude in opening a Ministry of Food centre.

“If it’s half as successful as Rotherham, it will be a real bonus for the people of Bradford and surrounding area. The Ministry is designed to be welcoming, so don’t just look through the window – come in and see what’s happening.”

The first Ministry of Food centre in Rotherham, which offers cooking lessons to local people, is fully booked until March.

Classes at the Bradford centre will cover basic egg dishes, soups, salmon tikka, various risottos, chicken chow mein, vegetable jalfrezi, chilli, meatballs, vegetable pasta, cakes and scones or muffins and flapjack.

Ingredients will be provided and course members will be taught how to follow recipes and produce fresh food, cooked nutritiously.

There will be cookery groups for parents and children, young adults, young families, disabled people, charity organisations and cultural community groups.