Jamie Oliver’s Ministry of Food van hits Mandurah

MANDURAH residents are in for a treat with the arrival of Jamie Oliver’s Ministry of Food van parked along Barracks Lane.

The team of five food trainers hope to fine tune the cooking skills of locals with their weekly cooking sessions.

For five weeks only, food trainers are hosting 21 classes a week with each class 90 minutes in length.

Classes are open to everyone aged 12 and upward.

Participants can expect lessons on how to cook eggs, Italian and Indian food as well as a family roast in the final week.

Centre manager and food trainer at Jamie’s Ministry of Food van (JMOF) Marie Fitzpatrick said the main focus was to teach as many people how to make simple, fresh food.

“We encourage all people from all walks of life to participate and we hope to create a sense of belonging and community through the completion of these classes,” she said.

Ms Fitzpatrick said a study conducted by Deakin University and the University of Melbourne showed participants who completed the program improved their eating habits.

“The study found people ate more fruit and vegetables a week and also reduced their takeaway consumption,” she said.

JMOF is part of a three year partnership with Edith Cowan University for the delivery of the WA program.

“With the help of funding from ECU, an evaluation will be conducted on WA’s JMOF participants and an outcomes study will be completed,” said Ms Fitzpatrick.

The mobile kitchen is also supported by Shape Mandurah.

Prices range from $20 per session, $15 for student card holders and $10 for concession.

For all class dates, times and bookings, visit www.jamiesministryoffood.com.au.

Centre manager and food trainer Marie Fitzpatrick and food trainer Alex Taucher ready to teach their first round of cooking classes.

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