The vision of Jamie’s Ministry of Food program is nothing less than a food revolution. The initiative has the potential to radically improve population health and social welfare of communities across Australia. It empowers people with the skills to change their eating and cooking behaviour, to combat the short and long term manifestations of poor nutrition in our community and on our health care system.

Jamie’s Ministry of Food is about getting people cooking again by teaching them the basics: how to cook, how to shop, and how to enjoy food in a way that benefits not only individuals, but also their families. We want to give as many people as possible the tools and information they need to be able to make better choices.

How does it work? • Participants sign up to a five week course at Jamie's Ministry of Food Ipswich; they attend a 90 minute class once a week each week for the five weeks. There are also workshops and school holiday programs. • The classes involve learning how to cook, knife skills, how to shop and cook on a budget, food safety and hygiene, shopping for fresh, seasonal produce and preparing delicious, tasty meals. • Classes are limited to 12 participants, and are completely hands on. • Participants enjoy their meal at the end of class and take home a meal for their family and friends.

Who can volunteer? Volunteers don’t need to be professionals in the kitchen - anyone over the age of 16 years who has a working with children card or willing to apply for one and has a commitment to the values and philosophies of the program and a keen interest in food, cooking and helping people learn how to cook.

What do Volunteers do? Volunteers help the trainers make sure that classes run smoothly and participants enjoy their class. Tasks could include; • Preparation of food prep and workstation set up for your class • Welcome participants into the centre for their class • Supporting the trainer and participants during class • Help out with the cleaning, washing dishes and tidying up during and after class