Jamie Oliver launched the Ministry of Food in Rotherham, England, in 2008 after observing how low‑cost, home‑cooked meals could counter rising food costs.
Inspired by the wartime Ministry of Food, Oliver re‑imagined the concept for the 21st century, focusing on simple, balanced recipes that could be made with everyday ingredients.
The first community‑based session ran in a local school kitchen, and by 2009 the programme had formalised into a permanent Ministry of Food curriculum that spread to other schools and community centres.
According to the foundation’s 2023 Social Impact Report, published in March 2024, the initiative has delivered lessons to over 115,000 people across the UK, Australia and the US, reaching both children and adults.
The foundation now aims to extend the programme to additional community hubs in 2025, building on its proven model of practical cooking education.