Jamie's Ministry of Food

Jamie Oliver Jamie's Ministry of Food

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Date Published:
15/10/2007

Jamie Oliver wants to start a food revolution to get people in Britain cooking. And where better to start than back where he left off... at the school gates in Rotherham

Jamie and his students

Jamie teaches his students

In Britain we spend more than £2 billion a year on ready meals. Fewer people than ever before are cooking from scratch and obesity is at record levels. Now, inspired by the wartime Ministry of Food that helped people to make the most of their rations, Jamie Oliver wants to start a food revolution to get people in Britain cooking.

Learn to cook like Jamie.

Watch Jamie in Ministry of Food

Jamie's Ministry of Food

Cooking session

Jamie travels to Rotherham to meet one of the fiercest critics of his school dinners campaign, so-called ‘Burger Mum’ Julie Critchlow, who passed junk food through school railings to hungry children. Jamie wants Julie, who is actually a good cook herself, to help him to inspire others to cook at home.

The plan is to teach a small group ten simple meals that they can pass on to others who, in turn, will also spread the word. If it works, he wants to get the whole town cooking and kick-off a nationwide campaign.

But when he meets his recruits Jamie realises he faces an uphill struggle. Natasha and her young family live on kebabs, Claire eats ten bags of crisps a day and Mick has never cooked in his life. But if Jamie can inspire them to cook, and pass on their enthusiasm, he might just succeed.

Get more recipes and cooking tips from Jamie's Ministry of Food

Browse all Jamie Oliver recipes on 4Foodhere

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  1. the fish was amazing thanx Jamie
    Posted by precious on 04/02/2010 00:41:41
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  2. yummy in my tummy! lol xxxxxxxxxx luv u jamie! your a legend! xxxxxx
    Posted by alex on 01/02/2010 09:33:45
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  3. this looks yummy! lol x
    Posted by alex on 01/02/2010 09:26:36
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  4. Jamie, the number of comments alone demonstrates how powerful this movement has been for viewers and those who have heard about it. Here in Toronto, I am inspired to learn how to cook great indian food from my mother and pass it on to people here in the suburbs. I believe we really need a food revolution here in the suburbs and I am taking tips from you! Keep up the great work!
    Posted by thenvironmentalist on 19/01/2010 16:57:48
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  5. Loved the show, plus school dinners and am appalled at the change in British eating habit. I was born and raised in the North East before moving to Canada at the age of 15. I was taught to cook at home and SCHOOL. I have my Domestic Science O level. I have passed on my cooking skills to my children and now my Grandchildren. I cannot believe how the school dinner program in the UK has become so bad and home cooked meals non existent. I witnessed this for myself when I went home in 2004 and visited family in Peterlee, Co. Durham. Here in B.C. Canada the schools are adamant about the kids eating healthy. Home Packed lunched are scrutinised to make sure junk food is not included and parents are encouraged to read fool labels for fat sugar and fibre counts. Cooking is taught innthe schools and my daughter was able to obtain her first year chefs training before she graduated at 18. She was encouraged to attend a culinary institute after leaving High School with a scolarship. This for the pickiest eater I have ever met who hates fruit and vegetables. Now she teaches me how to make wonderful chef quaility meals yet still phones to get my Rice Pudding recipe and taught all her friends how to make Spotted Dick. Jamie's idea was awesome and his heart is in the right place. We ahve to start these kids off at home at an early age. Even a 4 year old can make scrambled eggs with cheese in a microwave or tear up greens for a salad. They are sponges and love to help. We just need the patience. How long does it take to make scrambled eggs? 2 mins. Or would you rather spend 15 in the drive through at a fast food place cursing because you are wasting time and are late for work and the kids are hungry and whining. Worse yet throw a bag of crisps and a biscuit at them now thats healthy! It is much cheaper to buy a dozen eggs and a bit of cheese than pay a fast food joint or buy expensive pre packaged crap so don't blame your budget either. These kids are OUR future so give them one.
    Posted by sharon on 23/11/2009 00:51:29
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  6. doesnt help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    Posted by lol on 16/11/2009 19:11:33
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  7. Jamie you should go to peru an see the way we eat, and try our cuisne, is healthy and delicious. i think it would be very interesing for you.
    Posted by Maria on 16/10/2009 17:23:25
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  8. My grand-daughter loves cooking and so does my son. I taught and encouraged both of them from a very young age. My grand-daughter is at Sheffield University and constantly asks me for money saving ways of cooking. I've been able to give her soup recipes and pasta sauce recipes, using up left-overs. I don't know whether she shares her cooking tips with her friends, I think it's a question of whether people are interested in the first place. It has to start when they are young. I learned from my mum and I expect she learned from hers. I still remember my mum stretching her budget to feed a family of five. Scraps of bacon to make rolled bacon suet pudding, bones from the butcher to make a soup full of pearl barley and dumplings. She always said the puddings filled the kids up - I suppose pasta does the same thing or even bread and butter pudding, using up stale bread and of course bread pudding, such a favourite of ours as kids. I wish Jamie luck as he does try so hard. I'm sure Margaret Patten could give him a few tips as she advised people during the years of rationing after the WW2.
    Posted by Pom2000 on 28/09/2009 09:11:39
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  9. Wow, Jamie keep up the good work! I've never been so thankful to my mum and home economic teachers for teaching me how to cook! It's quite frightening to see so many people who don't know even basic stuff
    Posted by Susan on 23/04/2009 14:29:21
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  10. I got m.o.f book for xmas and although I cook every night anyway I have followed this book instead of using sauces from a jar for chinese and curries. The kids especially loved the burgers. The only problems I find are runny mascara from the onions and finely slicing as a novice is lethal to nails/fingers and freshly painted nails. Well done Jamie cooking is fun.
    Posted by jenziboo on 13/02/2009 18:50:05
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  11. it was really really good :) he's a bit fabrigated though and hippocritical in our opinion as he isnt as good as gordon. But hes okay i suppose. Seen better (The F Word)
    Posted by ianardo joey the joe on 06/02/2009 11:56:52
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  12. hi jamie love the pass it on project im a school cook whos right behind you. just wondered if i did your ministry of food curries with beef skirt in the slow cooker would the flavours be compromised by cooking the curry slowly for a few hours?! it would save me time and money! if you set up a mof shop in ashton-under-lyne i'd love to volunteer some time.
    Posted by tracy farmer on 29/01/2009 23:14:29
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  13. I have seldom found a show so uplifting and ever since watching it I have had a dream that Jamie himself (or one of the Rotherham ladies) could run a mass pass on a recipe for children at our school. I am a primary school teacher in Tottenham, Noth London, one of the most deprived post codes in Greater London. We are running a "Be Healthy month" in June of this year and it would be wonderful if an event could be arranged at our school - possibly filmed for channel 4. Please let me know what you think.
    Posted by Mr Mike Noone on 27/01/2009 14:34:57
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  14. I really enjoyed the show, I pretty much always cook from scratch at home as we have a large family and it would be very expensive to do otherwise. I am more aware of passing the skills on to the children though,
    Posted by mel on 15/01/2009 20:18:58
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  15. Passed this on to student daughter and two flatmates in their shared rented flat in London - receipe made enough for two separate meals by increasing the amount of mashed potato and bulking out 'filling' with peppers, mushrooms, sweetcorn and any other suitable vegetable to hand. Very hot, nourishing and appreciated by three hungry students. They will definitely use it again.
    Posted by Wendy on 06/11/2008 15:28:35
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  16. Have just watched the final episode and Jamie left me elated with what he achieved, and especially for Natasha. I do hope she succeeds for her sake, its an oppotunity of a lifetime she's been give, grab it with both hands girl and enjoy every minute. Jamie's enthusiasm for food is so fantastic I just wish every town had a Ministry of Food to bridge the gap left by the lack of cookery in schools. Even though this is taking us back to the 50's when these ministries were in towns, my Mum got my orange juice from our local Ministry of Food. More power to Jamie!!!!
    Posted by Barbara Holt on 05/11/2008 16:06:16
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  17. Our family love to watch Jamie Oliver, however we are really disappointed with Ministry of food....it's the swearing.....How can we let our children watch this program. We know he is passionate about his cooking but still no need to swear. Sorry but I know several families that just switch off now. Regards Jacky PS Please keep up the good work but cut the swearing.
    Posted by jacky on 04/11/2008 18:10:06
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  18. my name is Adam, i am 16 years old and would love to get the pass it on campaign started up where i live in mold in north wales. but not just in mold in flintshire (the county) i have a dream to become a chef and am incedibly inspired by jamie olivers work.
    Posted by Adam Williams on 04/11/2008 16:39:32
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  19. Thanks Jamie for the insperation to all. I am 21 years old male and have found your idea's usefull. I did Food Technology or as you call it Home Economics and did some of the basics such as make tea/cofee. I made apple crunble that turned out really nice that was my fav lesson @ secondary school. I countinued it onto GCSE's but as it had a lot of coursework to do I did not get the grade. I really enjoyed making the ideas that I had to come up with myself. I have soudn your meetballs recipe handy and will give it a try with my mum someday. A big fan
    Posted by Mustafa Ali on 03/11/2008 12:15:29
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  20. I think that this is a fantastic way to encourage people to become interested in food and even more important, it brings people together at meal times. It is such a good way to show off an achievement in cooking a delicious meal. Jamie Oliver is doing an amazing job in changing people's thinking about food and making it less frightening.
    Posted by Julia Ridgway on 30/10/2008 17:52:39
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  21. Hi Jamie, Love your programme and all that you do. However, in this latest series you let yourself down. Why on earth do you have to use the 'F' word so much? Are you trying and failing to be Gordon Ramsey? You do not need to use this style of conversation, what you have to say has enough weight without resorting to the 'F' word being used constantly. You have always been seen by many younger people as a role model, by older people as someone who cares about the health and food of the nation and has something sensible to say. Don't spoil it. Peter.
    Posted by Peter on 29/10/2008 12:36:20
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  22. Having previously enjoyed Jamie Oliver's programme on school dinners, I looked forward to seeing his Ministry of Food series. However, I am so disappointed that he has found it necessary to repeatedly use the 'F' word throughout each episode - it has spoiled his image. Unfortunately, I have had to turn off the TV during the programmes as I do not wish to invite such language into my lounge. I do hope Jamie does not speak like this at home, and also hope that he can stand out from the rest of the Celebrity Chef crowd and clean up his language. Apart from this, I wish him every success in his venture.
    Posted by H Roberts on 27/10/2008 22:43:10
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  23. I loved Jamie's Ministry of Food, I loved the way it brought together the community, developed friendships and taught people to cook, not to rely on takeaway's, which probably cost as much, if not more, than purchasing the ingredients and doing it yourself. Natasha and Claire were fantastic. Natasha had me in tears several times, it was heart-warming to see how her confidence improved as she became an ambassador for the Ministry of Food, doing things she never would have dreamt possible, and I don't just mean the cooking, but presenting to a room full of people. Oh and how can I miss out Mick the Miner Chef! He was brilliant, everyone was, it was so cool to see all of Rotherham embrace the idea.. I really hope the Ministry of Food continues. I can cook myself, but watching the programme has inspired me to not take the easy option and ring for a takeaway because I don't feel like cooking for just myself, but to do what I love to do and Cook and freeze the remainder. Wonderful programme, great idea.... PASS IT ON!!!!
    Posted by Kirstin Griffiths on 27/10/2008 15:50:08
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  24. My Granny was a wonderful cook, and of course cooked everything from scratch, yet my Mum says when she married my Dad, she couldn't cook! I don't understand why my Granny didn't teach my Mum to cook? Surely she knew my Mum would marry one day and have to look after cook for a husband and her children? I find this so strange, and sadly my Granny is no longer here to ask. I'm married to an Indian and my Indian sister in laws say they could joint a chicken at 12 years old - a completely different story. But the good thing about this is that it is very easy to learn to cook as you go along. My mum did learn to cook and I always had meals cooked from scratch as I grew up and I too cook for my family from scratch. The thing with cooking from scratch is that you know what you are eating. Cooking from scratch becomes very quick to do too because you know the recipe inside out. Thank you Jamie - love the programme.
    Posted by Susan on 26/10/2008 21:08:00
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  25. Hi there. I loved Jamie's ministry of food and am behind him 100%. I am a full time mum to a 16month old little boy. I always find time to make home cooked food and can't see why other mums dont. Its cheaper and tastes much better. I wouldn't dream of giving my son ready made meals or take aways. I even made my own baby food when he was weaning. Its brilliant what jamie is doing with pass it on and have even started doing it myself with my own recipes. Everyone should get involved and try pass it on in their area
    Posted by sarah on 26/10/2008 15:08:50
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  26. As a busy Mum with 4 part-time jobs I have fallen into the trap of giving my children mostly freezer meals. Watching this programme has made me realise there is a better way and in two of my jobs I am in the process of setting up a recipe book. I have donated one recipe myself and am asking other employees to donate one too. Everyone who donates one will get a copy of the book for free. Anyone who can't donate a recipe but still wants a copy can pay £1 which I will donate to charity. I don't intend on making it a fully bound book, just A4 sheets all stapled together so it won't cost much to publish. And the recipe I am donating? I call it tuna pasta bake and it was the one good thing apart from my beautiful daughters that my ex-partner left me with! Turn your oven on to 220C. Boil about half a medium saucepan of water to cook the pasta (follow instructions on packet). Open a tin of tuna into a lasagne type dish. Use a fork to 'flake' it out a bit. Chop up one onion and put in the dish. Put some frozen sweetcorn in as well and grate some cheese over it - I find cheddar is best because it has quite a strong flavour. I always add black pepper to give it a bit more taste but you could also try mustard or cayenne pepper which are supposed to bring out the flavour of the cheese. When the pasta is cooked, add it to the dish and mix everything up together. Grate some more cheese on the top so that it crisps up in the oven. Stick it in the oven and in about 10 mins the cheese on top should be going brown. Take it out and eat it! You can also add green peppers, or anything else you can think of really. Takes about 15 mins to make and is pretty healthy. Oh and it serves two people quite nicely. One last thing I need to mention - PASS IT ON!
    Posted by Lynette on 25/10/2008 16:35:58
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  27. I think what Jamie Oliver is doing is amazing, and i would very much like to do something in my area. I am not a chef but i love to cook, and i would love to teach others how to cook. Many of my friends come round to my house and just watch me cooking and they are amazed that i get so excited when trying new things. I wish i could do what Jamie Oliver has done and would like some ideas on how to get my local area to feel the way i do about cooking and to stop buying pre-packed food. I would also like to say well done to all the people who took part in this experement and successfully started to cook good home cooked food.
    Posted by Nicole on 25/10/2008 14:50:45
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  28. hi jamie am a young boy who loves to cook for people and a would like it if u could send me the recipes that appear in the show.if you give me a copy then a will teach people in my street how to cook them and ask them to teach other people and try and start it in my town. cheers
    Posted by chris on 23/10/2008 23:03:12
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  29. wow. This show has truly insired me. I cant quite explain how all of a sudden i watch the first episode, and was hooked! i frequently felt the urg to cook for my family and they seemed to enjoy it to! It really has made me appreciate food a lot, I just wish the recipe book was maybe a little cheaper so i could afford it, but iv been following the recipes on this website and watching all the videos, and well done! I can definelty see how much effort you have put into this project and i have to say, i think its working really well. I have taught a few of my friends, and they seem more than happy to do the same!
    Posted by Georgie on 22/10/2008 20:10:02
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  30. Jamie Oliver: Good Work. I am a single Dad, my son is 18 and I am trying to get him to cook. I have always cooked but not to a very high standard. I was shocked by the first episode of how a mum (couple) could afford to spend over ?70.00 on takeaway food! I have to think about spending on a takeaway once a week, never mind living off the stuff! Ministry of Food would be a damn good idea to introduce, they could issue people on benefit FOOD STAMPS so the hard earned money paid in taxes goes on healthy food NOT TAKEAWAY. Very good series. Top Job Mr Oliver. One question though and coming from someone who does swear, why did you swear so much mate? FOOD STAMPS not money that can only be exchanged for food, not fags, not booze, not takeaway; Healthy food then they would have to cook.
    Posted by Steve S on 22/10/2008 16:46:13
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  31. Dear Jamie, I so admire your efforts and appreciate very much what you are trying to do. I feel sorry for those people amongst us that seem to have nothing better to do than sit and pick faults with it all, how sad they are! I believe society expects and demands too much from others and nothing from themselves. I could never be bothered to cook as a young divorced single mom, I wanted to but I didnt know where to start. But that all changed when I met a man who had strong family values which mean that once a day our family come together for dinner, or lunch whatever, enjoy a home cooked meal and communicate! These are traditional family values that could make all the difference to life today for many. Talking to your kids, finding out what they are up to, where they have been and who they are AND feeding them good healthy food! Too expensive?? Not really, its the effort that most people shy away from. We cant afford take away's or processed ready meals, they are far too expensive! Who taught me to cook? Gordon Ramsay and Jamie Oliver! Who inspired me to try? My family and their best interests. My boys are now 24, 20 and 18, all of whom can cook a family meal for all of us from scratch. The internet is a wonderful source of recipes as well as the wonderful chefs on tv! I would like to see the government introducing healthy eating, nutrition and basic cooking skills in schools, from the age of 8 onwards and it should be compulsory til they leave! And I do mean cooking not theory and useless practical skills on food they will never want to eat again. Let the kids learn by having fun, getting their hands dirty creating and understanding real food! Finally this programme is about giving people a choice, 'know how' and some confidence, if you are not interested then leave those of us who do care and want to make a difference alone. If you can cook then great, keep up the good work and appreciate what Jamie is trying to do for what it is and do not take this as a personal attack. In fact 'pass it on' anyway and do your bit, what's wrong with that? On that note.... well done Tash, Claire and Mick (and everyone else who tried) I have to say that Claire and Tasha's journeys gave me goosebumps and made me a little tearful too. Look how happy they all are for having had the chance to make a difference? Mick hasnt stopped smiling yet, which is a joy to watch. Without Jamie this would never have happened. Jamie deserves respect from us all. Thank You for caring Jamie, well done mate. And good luck to those of you trying to make a difference, dont let the whingers win! PASS IT ON!
    Posted by Louise on 22/10/2008 16:15:26
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  32. hi jamie i am looking to pass it on at school to teachers and then parents we are part of kingston council and i would appreciate it if your could forward all the recipes you have been teaching to me thanks for your help jayne deakins
    Posted by jayne deakins on 22/10/2008 12:33:04
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  33. Jamie Oliver: A 21st Century Legend. I think What Jamie Oliver has done and is doing for this country is inspirational. Who else is actually getting up and doing soemthing to prevent our society and our children from becoming even more obese and unhealthy? It's talked about in the papers, statistics are thrown about but no one in the pubic eye is doing anything or taking action as much as Jamie Oliver. I think educating kids about healthy home cooked food is much more important than a few meaningless words. It's peoples health and lives that are at risk here. In twenty years time your kids will thank you for them not being fat and ill rather than for not teach them to swear. Also to whoever said its too expensive to cook healthily, I also dont for a minute think Jamie Olvier was trying to incinuate that we should go out and buy an 8 quid chicken. He's trying to ignite a passion within people for cooking, you can do that on a budget. I earn less than the national average and I love to cook and do it on a budget, it's so mcuh cheaper and better than buying proecessed food. Anyone thats says otherwise is just being lazy and cynical and is scared of trying it for themselves and is scared of change. Our society needs a major change! Britain is going down the pan rapidly! Pass it on is a great way to get people together again and to help us find that sense of community that has somewhere got lost. You dont have to get an organic chicken if you can't afford it, just have the veg or find a replacement, you can buy good fresh food and make stuff for yourself. It's always going to be 10 times better than takeways or processed plastic micro food. Also no one is saying go out and buy a 25 quid book, watch the programme and get recipes on the internet, it's easy or just use your imagination and try stuff for yourself and see what you like. Jamie Oliver is not preaching to anyone, why should he care if you ten your old kid is 12 stone? He shouldn't , you should. It's time people started taking responsibilty for themselves and their kids, and realising that a bad diet is why a lot of us are ill and over weight. Besides cooking is fun! Keep up the good work Jamie :)
    Posted by Eleanor Ashworth on 22/10/2008 11:18:19
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  34. I have watched all the programmes and really enjoyed them, apart from the permanent negativity of Julie - why on earth was she on the show throughout. She says she can cook but showed no interest at all in helping out or encouraging others. She apparently only wanted the media attention as she contributed nothing at all. Well done to Natasha, Clare, Mick and the others. They were the ones doing all the promoting. Good luck to Natasha in her college course, she is a shining example of what can be achieved by motivation and encouragement. Great show; let's hope the 'Pass it on' campaign gains momentum. It's so easy to grab a quick microwave meal when you have been at work all day, but for people at home during the day, or at weekends, it's much more satisfying to make your own meals.
    Posted by Lorraine on 22/10/2008 10:28:38
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  35. Jamie, good on you for trying to address a growing social issue. I was saddened by the first programme - we are contracting out too much family life. 70 quid on takeaways a week is astonishing on a low income. Learning to cook and passing it on is great but the recipes are only part of the solution. The key to successfully providing good meals on a low income is planning and budgeting...planning the recipes for a week's meals so that everything you buy or use flows from day to day, for example a roast rolled rib of beef or chicken on Sunday becomes Monday's meal too by using the leftovers. I've been there and done that whole single mum thing on $40 (NZD) a week and while I wouldn't say it's easy, it is do-able but takes commitment to want to provide a healthy meal and needs some thought and planning.
    Posted by Mum of Two on 22/10/2008 05:26:56
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  36. Hi there, I suport your idear all the way but I do think your expecting to much to soon, What you have failed in the last few progarms is to tell people about healthy eating and how cheap it can be, I became a widiwer in 2005, she taught me how to cook and now that I am a pensioner I enjoy my cooking (so does the rest of my family) Tell people about spear rob cuts, cheap but tasty, I cook pigs heads, Pork hock that can give me three meals at £1.99 or the Black Country (Grey Pays and Bercon) pigion peas with bacon, I make a savory meat loaf with boiled hocks wrapped in bacon. I cook apple pies, Meat pies and pasties, This is what you need to push, (Cheap and Tasty meals) with the state of the country now redundency's about to increase This is what the nation needs, Think more realisticly and be prpared to lower your expectataions, But still all the very best hope it goes on and on for you.
    Posted by John on 21/10/2008 23:06:11
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  37. Jamie ur a true inspiration. i loved this series and will definately be buying the book. i'm just sad the series is over. i thought natasha and mick were brilliant people. keep up the good work!!!
    Posted by Rosie on 21/10/2008 22:44:33
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  38. Jamie, I don't think the schools Food Technology courses help. My daughter loves to cook, she is 15, taking her GCSE's this time. However during her time at school she has never actually cooked a proper meal. All they do is bake and do course work. How is this teaching them to cook. Their teacher has commented that in her opinion the curriculum for Food Technology is wrong, but has said she is powerless to change this. I know not all students take this subject, but surely those that do should be taught the basics/basic substantial meals. I really feel that this should be addressed by Education ministers and schools, I wonder what your thoughts are on this. Also, would like to say I love the programe, I cook and would consider myself to be okay, I make a fabulous Pavlova, but what I struggle with is thinking about new ideas for meals etc. I need quick, easy, healthy meals that aren't too dear. I have loads of cook books but most - even some of your recipes are too poncy and expensive. E.G. I make my own Spaghetti Bolanase which is really easy and tasty, I use the same sauce for Lasagne and Canneloni, but if you look in your recipe books and others like Delia Smith, Nigella etc the sauce is so poncy, using chicken livers etc it really puts people off. So please simplyfy and use more affordable items for us poor folk. You are doing a great job though. keep it up.
    Posted by Bev on 21/10/2008 22:34:13
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  39. I have watched all the Jamie Oliver programmes since the "Naked Chef". I have felt that he was a young man with a lot of goodness in his heart and generous and inspirationational in his work with others. HOWEVER! I have found it extremely hard to watch this recent series. The whole series was blighted for me by his continual swearing. Jamie Oliver is the way forward for the health education of our children and us to ensure that we do not follow America and become the 2nd most obesive country in the world. Please don't hinder this good work! I really want this criticism to be brought up to Jamie Oliver. He has always found the words to express his enthusiasm before, Please don't block out the very people you are trying to attract. The special crew that Jamie passed on his skills to did not continually use expletives so thank goodness he didn't pass that on. I feel that good cooking (and it does not have to be expensive) can be learned and I certainly learned from a Marguerite Pattern book given to me and which belonged to my mum. It was already about 20 years old. Thank you Jamie for trying and as Brenda says, produce an affordable book - not a glossy - but a real workhorse type of book.
    Posted by Pam W on 21/10/2008 22:28:31
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  40. Well done Jamie, and I do hope it is a success. What I find bizarre is that some people on this site reckon that bad language is more harmful than a bad diet - my granny didn't get cancer and a stroke because of swearin - jeez - it's a no brainer people. Look and kearn - I can get 3 meals for 2 out of a free range chicken for six quid.
    Posted by Gerry on 21/10/2008 22:21:56
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  41. I'd like to know how Natasha is getting on at college. Loved the series.
    Posted by Katie on 21/10/2008 22:18:55
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  42. Hello, I really do not see, why everybody is making such a fuss about how to afford all the food for cooking good dishes. I would like to ask you: what else do you eat? Fish and chips? Let us do the maths, a family of four, four portions fish and chips at each 3pounds, that makes 12pounds for the dinner! It is a lot more expensive than buy a packet of pasta (1pound) a tin of tomatoes(1pound max) and some minced beef (3pound) makes......5pound, and you can feed at least 5people for it! Moreover I would like to emphasise that it is not recommended to have meat everyday, so the comment below about the price of organic free range chicken is completely inappropriate: if you now buy cheap chicken 3times a week (and if its only twice) it is not very healthy! So save your money, invest in vegetable dishes that are cheaper than meaty ones, and make your chicken dishes a treat only once a week, and then you CAN afford to buy free range/organic free range that has lived a happy healthy life! As much as I admire the pass it on movement, I do believe that the series did not emphasise enough the economic advantages short term and long term of cooking food like Jamie's, instead of eating tinned/ready made/fast food. Regards.
    Posted by Christine on 21/10/2008 22:17:38
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  43. Jamie your amazing and a sad that The Ministry of Food programme has ended. You said people are going to get sick of you on TV all the time but I'm not. Can not wait for another tv series.
    Posted by Martyn Rice on 21/10/2008 22:16:29
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  44. I think that a lot of what Jamie says is true cooking can be fun and doesn't have to cost a fortune especially if you cook without having to use meat all the time. My son has been interested in food and cooking since he was 9 and now at 14 cooks regularly on his own. He now has the confidence to look at ingredients and just have a go. I have taught him some basic skills but mostly let him experiment. We don't always like what he cooks and he's a bit heavy handed on some ingredients but hes not frightened to have a go.For xmas he wants more cook books as he's always looking for new things to try out. Let them experiment when they are young but don't rely on cooking in schools it's dull and they take ages before they actually get to get their hands on food and if their at a boys school they don't do any cooking at all.
    Posted by Denise Judd on 21/10/2008 22:14:38
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  45. Watching this fills you with so much get up and go - as for comments about affordable ingredients, I'm a single guy with a mortgage on hardly the best income, so you have to shop around anyway. The cheapest tip I can give to liven up your food is to get a window box of herbs. It hardly costs anything, it's amazing how much difference you can make to your food. I have a few plants in my window all year for this very reason, so it's free effectively. Invest in a basil, coriander, rosemary, sage plant at the very least and you've saved yourself a fortune on buying fresh herbs in the supermarket every time you want them, plus they smell lovely in the kitchen!
    Posted by Martin on 21/10/2008 22:14:28
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  46. Jamie... you're a bloody genius!!! Keep up this great work. You can clearly see the positive impact you're making. You're an inspiration! Looking forward to 'Pass It On' coming to Leeds. :)
    Posted by Martine Scannell on 21/10/2008 22:13:20
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  47. pity there was so much bad language used in the show! However my 14 year old managed to pass the chicken recipe onto her school mates & teachers during her cookery lesson at a school in ashbourne.
    Posted by Ozzies wife on 21/10/2008 22:07:48
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  48. Jamie has done a fantastic job so far with Ministry of Food!! How incredibly inspiring to see such determination, commitment and enthusiasm to make big changes in our communities to make people healthier and happier.
    Posted by Kerryn Bell on 21/10/2008 22:04:23
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  49. Hello I am Jason I work for the railway and want to join the movement. I live in southampton where do I sign
    Posted by jason sanders on 21/10/2008 21:39:14
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  50. hi there jamie just a few words i think what you are doing is great we could be doing this all over middlesbrough too, i can cook and my two daughters do get cooked hot meals every day sometimes junk food but we are not all perfect there are some of my friends dont cook and need help i live in hemlington, middlesbrough and it would be good if you mite consider in coming a little more north. hope to here from you julie.
    Posted by julie simpson on 21/10/2008 21:16:28
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  51. find Jamies ministry of food compelling viewing, yes there are swear words but this is not because he is foul mouthed like some other chef but because he is passionate about what he is trying to do & get across to the people of our wonderful land. I am the mother of a 5 year old and even now at just 5 years old my son can tell you & show you how to make a basic cottage pie. This is because I spend time with him after school and encourage him to help me in the kitchen un like many of the parents today who see their off spring as a hindrance. My mother had me helping her from when I was small and I am passing my skills and recipes on to my son. Pass it on should start in the home. It should not be down to people like Jamie. but thanks to him being so passionate about what he believes in he is trying, its just such a pity many people of Rotherham just want to be seen on TV and dont actually want to learn anything. Well done Jamie and thanks for 4 weeks compelling viewing.
    Posted by Anjela on 21/10/2008 20:34:25
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  52. I wish everyone would stop getting on Jamie Oliver's case. As for Brenda who said that he started with Salmon, not a cheap thing to get hold of, but compare his simple dishes to buying a take away dinner for 3 or 4 people. A chinese take-way from any local restaurant is easily £15-20 if not more. Jamie's point is if people can afford to eat rubbish and take-aways then surely they can buy Salmon fillets at probably half the price. His idea being that a simple good cooked dinner can in the long term save you a money. As for his "foul mouthed" outburts, 1) it is always shown after the watershed and 2) wouldn't you get slightly annoyed if you had poured your heart into an idea for people not to be carrying it through. As for his recipe book, if you can't afford to buy it then grab a recipe from the local Sainsburys or from online. I'm sure if you were still cooking good home made food Jamie wouldn't mind just this once.
    Posted by Graeme on 21/10/2008 15:56:13
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  53. I can not find the last week recipe for his curry, wheather it is chicken or other meat's. i can not find it on the web site at all. can you please forward me a recipe for chicken curry or any other. Thank You Frank Lots of luck jamie
    Posted by frank russo on 21/10/2008 15:52:23
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  54. Great show: an inspirational work of genius. Why do you folks keep whinging about the language? Wake up. The F-word isnt the swear word it used to be. Words come and go, and that particular one has clearly had its emotionally charged 'day'. Keep up the good work Mr Oliver.
    Posted by iykes on 21/10/2008 00:03:34
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  55. Why is jamie swearing so much? Its offensive. Is he trying to copy Gordon Ramsey because of his success or does he think its the best way to talk to northern folk? Either way it is gratuitous and distracting from the worthy message Jamie is trying to put across. I was brought up in Rotherham and there are many nice area's that are not shown. Timothy Spall's patronising comments such as "Jamie's going to teach the whole town to cook" are also offensive what makes them presume the whole town can't cook?
    Posted by jon furniss on 20/10/2008 17:42:30
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  56. I professional mother of three who has always cooked homemade meals daily, on exception of a take-a-way,once or twice a month. I would like to say to Jamie that he has opened my eyes as well. Though I cook for my family I have never involved the children in the preparation process and am quite ashamed of myself. The adults unable to cook could one day be my own! I have now set my 16 year old son to cooking one meal a week, and my 10 year old son will help me with at least one meal a week. Even if you can not change the world Jamie the important thing is to at least make people aware of the situation, which is what you have done for me. Good Luck and Thank You.
    Posted by Natalie on 20/10/2008 15:26:55
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  57. I bought all the ingredients to make sizzling beef with spring onions at the weekend to cook tonight but can't find the recipe on the website has it been removed?
    Posted by sasha davidson on 20/10/2008 12:42:39
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  58. I did like Jamie Oliver, but this programme shows me a nother side of him, foul mouthed, and out of touch with low income people. Jamie should get in the real world, how can people on low income and benefits afford his Ministry of Food book, £25, I ask you? His first programme showed salmon, to him it may be cheap, but to low income earners its a expensive. Jamie being out of touch started with chickens, telling us to buy organic or free range, I went into Marks and Spencers today, Oakham chickens.....£8.97p Morrisons same size £3.99p - come on Jamie get real. I am 61 years old, but I understand why these youngsters buy cheaper products. According to statistics the average wage is £25,000, not inthe North more like £15,000. Yes, show them how to cook with cheaper cuts of meat, and produce a cheaper book affordable for them to buy.
    Posted by Brenda on 19/10/2008 13:52:53
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  59. Channel 4 is quoted today as saying the show is 'after the watershead' as an excuse for the swearing. The watershead is irrelevant - the extent of the swearing is bizzare and offensive no matter what time the show is on. Jamie's doing a fantastic job but this programme really should have been edited better. Instead it makes me cringe and turn off (and I'm a young male).
    Posted by Adrian on 19/10/2008 13:17:53
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  60. Well done Jamie. As a mum I am passionate about what my children eat.They get a home cooked meal most nights. O.K they also occasionally have convenience food and takeaways but we try to keep it to a minimum. My children know where their food comes from and also what it takes to prepare food.I am a busy woman doing 2 part time jobs, in fact I work 42 1/2 hrs a week, but I still manage to produce home cooked food. All it takes is organisation so there really is no excuse. I prepare a head and also cook food to store in the freezer. I even make all my own bread. I also cook alot at work. I am responsible for the menus and the shopping. Because of this I have given other staff recipes to try at home - so I suppose I am alresdy part of pass it on! Keep going Jamie, we need to get cooking back on the agenda at schools. Children need to be taught how cook so they can look after themselves once they leave home. Take pass it on into schools.
    Posted by Clare on 18/10/2008 20:15:32
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  61. Please I need to have the meatball recipe written down and I can't find it on the website except on the video and I can't get the computer to the kitchen. I need it to follow other wise I have no confidence with recipe's until I've made them about 10 times. All my friends want it too and can't find it anymore. Please help.
    Posted by christie Fisher on 18/10/2008 18:19:26
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  62. I'm very lucky that I grew up on a bird farm with very traditional values. My grandmother is a fantastic country cook and has tought to bake my own breads including some irish traditional foods. Out of all my friends my husband and I would be the cooks but slowly I'm trying to teach them simple dinners without buying in microwave tv dinners. I'm trying to get this going on Ireland to support your cause.
    Posted by Sinead on 18/10/2008 11:36:40
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  63. I work for YWCA West Kent Young Women's Centre and we are running a programme called Food For Thought where young mums living on a low budget are taught all about shopping and cooking healthily on a budget. We are covering all aspects like practical cooking, food and mood and children's behaviour. We have raised funding for this through our local PCT and Borough Council. Some of the mums had never cooked anything but convenience food and others used jars and mixes all the time. They now are much more confident and cooking for friends and family. We think it's great what Jamie Oliver is doing and we encourage our mums to "pass it on" too!
    Posted by Fiona Palmer on 17/10/2008 20:53:58
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  64. hi jamie love your programe and i am getting my grandaughter to use your recipes. keep up the good work but perhaps you could kerb the swearing.
    Posted by dawn on 17/10/2008 17:34:44
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  65. Hi Jamie, I just want to say thank you and tell you how much you have motivated me to get to grips with learning how to cook some good old-fashioned home cooking. I have never been considered a cook let alone a good cook until the other day i followed your recipe and made "chicken with crispy ham" for my husband and young boys. WOW, FANTASTIC and WELL DONE were words that have never been uttered from my hungry mob before. Being a busy mum with 2 boys under three and finding it hard to plan when and how to make family meals, watching your programme has helped me organise myself better so that now I do have time in the kitchen and have also made it a daily activity with my boys. Hopefully they will learn to see that cooking can be an enjoyable experience that will stay with them for life. Thank you Jamie. A very devoted fan xxx
    Posted by Penny Hepburn on 17/10/2008 16:16:18
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  66. Jamie - I have always admired your work enormously but I'm afraid I have just watched my last Jamie Oliver programme - I think the swearing is appalling. This could be a fantastic progamme for encouraging youngsters to cook but no way would I allow them to watch this. Obesity is one of our worst health problems in Britain but we are well known for being Europe's worst place for swearing and drinking too. How about starting to clean up your act (after all you managed not to swear whilst on The One Show last week). Your fun way of teaching cooking would be marvellous for kids - just the sort of personality they need to get them interested in healthy food but most parents would be horrified at the thought of their children hearing such language every 5 minutes. Most of us grown-ups really hate the way swearing is used so much and I (and most of the people I know) have started to switch off programmes with such content. Please take notice Jamie as it would be so nice to watch you on TV again and I do believe in what you are trying to do. Jane
    Posted by Jane Baker on 17/10/2008 16:12:15
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  67. Anything that helps the kids fight the obesity time-explosion is a must do for me.
    Posted by Tom Howat on 17/10/2008 13:16:16
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  68. My childrern's primary school is taking on the idea of pass it on and asking parents to give their fave recipes to the school. They will then collate them and make them into a book to sell at the christmas school fayre. Only a small step but supporting the cause, plus the children will be involved with making the book so they will encourage the parents to buy.
    Posted by Lorraine on 17/10/2008 10:34:44
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  69. I really admire what you are trying to achieve Jamie; I too am dismayed that so many people have missed out on the cooking skills, traditionally passed on in families. It is not only healthier but cheaper too if you can cook simple family meals to share. Too many are now in the clutches of the supermarkets and takeaways, who often charge a fortune for sub-standard fare, simply because they do not realise how easy it can be to prepare something better at home. Many of us in the teaching profession, sadly predicted this when the government dispensed with "Domestic Science " in the school curriculum.This has ,no doubt,contributed to the huge profits of the supermarkets ! Realistically, I think you need to ensure that ingredients are readily available locally as some of the ingredients in your Ministry of Food recipes may be too costly for families on benefit if they also have to add on travel costs and many may not possess Woks and other necessary cooking equipment.Why not extend this to some kind of co-operative ?Allotment revival is on the horizon........?!!
    Posted by Lesley Basu on 17/10/2008 10:21:03
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  70. My sister and I have watched your programme. Although we agreed that the nation needs to eat better than they probably do. Is there any need for the foul language. Is he trying to beat Gordon Ramsey for the most obsentites. We turned off in disgust. We used to like watching Jamie, but no longer, it is a great turn off and brings nothing to the programme. It's about cooking after all, not a swearing contest.
    Posted by sue on 16/10/2008 23:31:28
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  71. Jamie is a true hero in many ways,& an inspiration to many, but if he wants a bigger & younger audience, please please please cut out the offensive language & lets get the rising generation inspired as well.
    Posted by Jim Hetherton on 16/10/2008 18:59:20
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  72. Absolutely love your programme. Love cooking and would love to get some more of your recipes from the show.
    Posted by Fiona Butler on 16/10/2008 12:44:38
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  73. Jamie Oliver doesnt need to do this. He is a busy guy and he has already tried to help us cook with his last book Cook With Jamie. I find it slightly annoying that anyone would say that he is making Rotherham look bad ! If you listen to him talk about obesity he actually says that its not just Rotherham but a nationwide problem. As to the cost of the food, people need to shop around. I managed to get a massive lump of Parmesan cheese for £2.50. It will last me ages and I can use it for loads of different things. I want to cook because I eat everyday and I want to enjoy what I eat and buzz when I cook something good. Im going to pass these recipes on to friends and family and also try and see how cheap I can actually buy the food. Cost is so vital to the success of this Ministry of Food so im interested in what supermarkets sell certain foods for the best price. All in all Ive already learnt new skills and this is seriously good fun. Extra enjoyable when you wack on your favourite tunes while doing it.
    Posted by Tim on 15/10/2008 22:42:47
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  74. JAMIE - love your passion for food and your drive for better eating habits - but your BAD LANGUAGE in this programme has been APPALING. You should appreciate that your disgust for people not eating healthy food is the same as people who have no respect for others and continually use bad language. Come on Jamie - you never used to swear like this, give it a rest and respect those people around you.
    Posted by Kim on 15/10/2008 20:08:38
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  75. Hi Jamie, I love your programme and have so much respect for you!!! I cook for my four kids and husband every night, fresh homecooked meals! I was lucky and learnt in Italy. We are a healthy happy family and it is down to the food we prepare and eat!!!! You are an inspiration to the nation!!!! xxx
    Posted by Claire Rhodes on 15/10/2008 18:09:02
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  76. I really admire Jamie and all the hard work and commitment he puts into striving to educate our nation to become eat healthier.He's an inspiration to us all! However, I would love my kids to watch Jamie in the Ministry of Food. They are becoming more and more interested in food but I just can't allow it because of his appalling language. They would really listen to him, take on board his message and start to pass that message on at the tender age of 9 & 11. Isn't that what you want Jamie! Please, please cut the swearing, show the programme before the watershed and start using your wonderful fun personality to help us teach kids to cook healthy good quality food from an early age... before it's too late!
    Posted by Hy on 15/10/2008 16:54:24
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  77. Whilst I have enjoyed this programme and fully support the concept my enjoyment is spoiled by Jamie's language. His use of inappropriate swearing really detracts from the message and I find myself getting more and more angry every time I watch. OK, I can turn it off but why should I have to just because of his style of presenting. Does he not have any respect for the people he is talking too - it may well be that is the way they talk to him but that does not make it acceptable. Surely he should have more respect for those viewing the programme too - if he thinks it makes him sound trendy and credible then I am afraid I disagree. I am not a miserable old fuddy duddy but just someone who like to be spoken to with respect and in a vocabulary that I understand and find friendly rather tham rude and aggressive.
    Posted by Pam Turner on 15/10/2008 16:47:18
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  78. i have been watching jamie`s ministry of food and their is a certain lady has an 8 ring cooker that i would dream of but as she is on benifits cant aford to pass it on but still smokes and can afford kebabs. i got hardship benifit 36 pound a week and the first thing i did was make sure i ate propally i walked for 3-4 miles with a rucksack and bags there and back now i have my polish girl back and she shows me polish cooking and i show her my cooking at the same time we both experiment some times its no good some times its great but we are always learning. i will never forget the time i was on holiday sitting on the balcony is a selfcatering apt and i asked my ex for a coffee, she said but there is no kettle so boil a pan of water i said, next thing i know she comes running rob rob the waters on fire. what do you mean the waters on fire thats called steam darling. so it hearts me to know that there are mothers like that anyway if we can help in anyway we would love to why not pass it on in the other persons house i made a beautiful veg curry with what was left in the fridge get the deals in the shops dates might be the next day but still good for that night they couldn`t sell it otherwise and get better stuff when you have more money and you`ve practiced more. i must add the woman that i slated tought me somthing i don`t have a garden just a balcony and never thought of a see through suit carrier as a green house good for her and i will be using it.anyway hope i`ve been helpful and like i said we are here to learn and help thanks rob and sylwia
    Posted by rob logan on 15/10/2008 16:34:02
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  79. Well done Jamie, at least you are doing something. Unless British community stop their Take Away habits, the next thing that might be taken away is the services of the NHS. If you consider the budget for obesity medication alone it is appauling to even think that we are not taking all this even more seriously. I agree that the Government should get involved in the real world, but we, the community, should also start taking responsibility for our own lives. Thank you Jamie for your positive aproach to our present obesity problem.
    Posted by annelie on 15/10/2008 16:04:34
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  80. Hi Jamie, I have been a keen follower of your programmes or a while. Pass it on will work.... If the schools get the backing to really get stuck into 'Home Ec.' classes, pass it on could be integrated into the syllabus. I am an instructor in the Air Cadets, teaching a variety of subjects relating to aviation and survival and camprcaft. I WILL start to include cooking into my lessons - maybe a fresh organic chicken and veg soup followed by your beef stir fry. Beats RAF Ration Packs and the staff will be taking part too. Keep up the good work - you are inspiring. PUKKA!!!!
    Posted by James Drummond on 15/10/2008 15:38:27
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  81. Dear all We are launching our Support to Ministry of Food on our business Birthday Celebration Weekend on 23rd, 24th and 25th Oct, running classes each day 5pm to 7pm and aim to teach 15 people a day and pass it on. Would love to get people involved into this, specially support from the press and TV to get it going.
    Posted by Rose Ashton on 15/10/2008 11:33:02
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  82. HI JAMIE, WE HAVE BEEN FOLLOWING YOUR MINISTRY OF FOOD PROGRAMME SINCE ITS BEEN TELEVISED AND APPRECIATE AND WE ARE PROUD FOR WHAT YOUR DOING FOR ROTHERHAM.(IT IS A SHAME THAT OTHER CHEFS LIKE YOUR SELF AINT GETTING OUT THERE DOING THE SAME THING LIKE YOU ARE,ENCOURAGING PEOPLE TO COOK,YOUR NEVER TOO OLD TOO LEARN NEW THINGS,HEALTHY EATING FOR A FIVER YOU CAN NOT GO WRONG ESPECIALLY IN THE WORK PLACE) YOU HAVE A LOT OF GUTS,THINGS YOU SAY AND DO WERE IN FITS OF LAUGHTER WATCHING,TUESDAY OCTOBER 14TH 08,MINISTRY OF FOOD.WE BOTH COOK EVERY NIGHT. WE LOOK FORWARD FOR THE NEXT SERIES. YOU ARE AN INSPIRATION TO THE NATION AND WE ARE WITH YOU 110% JAMIE.WE LOVE SEEING HOW ENTHUSIASTIC AND DETERMINED YOU ARE AND ALWAYS REMAINING POSITIVE TOO NEGATIVE PEOPLE.GOD ON YOU JAMIE AND GOOD LUCK WITH PASS IT ON. DAVE AND CHAMZ XXX (WEST WALES)
    Posted by DAVE AND CHAMZ on 15/10/2008 11:06:04
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  83. I saw this TV programme for the first time last night and I thought it was great. My partner and I cook every night and I was amazed to see so many people that don't. It was obvious how frustrating it was for Jamie but I do believe this will open peoples eyes and they will see it doesn't have to be difficult or expensive. I take my hat of you to Jamie....great work. Jane,x
    Posted by Jane on 15/10/2008 09:29:18
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  84. I think that some of the comments below are just shocking, jamie has come to rotherham and has helped us eat healthy, and hes getting so much abuse from people and the papers, Im only 16 and am planning on joining the british army as a chef and think that the reality is that rotherham does have a disgusting eating habbit and should be sorted, I used to have a eat atleast 2 takeaways a week and now I have stopped them all together, I have started learning to cook from my mother and if I had the chance to learn from the best there is I would not abuse that oppertunity like some of the people on the show, so thankyou jamie for doing the ministry of food and good luck with pass it on, cant wait to see the next episode
    Posted by Jamie on 15/10/2008 00:52:36
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  85. these meatballs might be lovely but Jamie should have used a cheaper, ordinary oil and forget about parmesan cheese for the market he is targeting, it is horrendously expensive. the basil is also expensive to buy a whole bag when you are only going to use some of it. Jamie is onto a good and much needed idea but he must remember he is targeting people on very tight budgets unlike himself
    Posted by annieg on 15/10/2008 00:31:23
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  86. Its great what youve done, I managed a restaurant and amazed how much I had to teach people, but they all loved it when they learnt skills and got the recognition I know your finding it hard to get people to pass it on, heres some ideas. Have folders you pass it on to 10 people you get a Jamies ministry of food bronze folder (A5 ish) and once passed on a recipie to 2 people you get laminated recipe card. Fill 20 recopies in that folder next 20 people you get silver folder another 20 recipe cards , each card you get, you have to have taught it to another two people bronze, silver, gold platinum folders etc work out the details depends what is right number is for people. We only collect the recipes we like, We are more enthusiastic about passing on recipe if we like it National awards recognition, passing it on is great, but how amazing to have a record on your shelves of the recipes you taught, and the achievements If you have the recipes cards you have a way to photocopy them, but you get the official card when you passed it on. You get the official folder when you passed it on enough Just an idea, but I can imagine people being proud of their ministry of food recipes folders, how many cards do they have how many people have they helped?
    Posted by andyman on 14/10/2008 23:52:13
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  87. What you are doing is great. My husband and I were both raised on food out of the freezer with chips and were both overweight kids. Pretty much everyone in my family is overweight and diabetic (I have so far avoided diabeties). We have both lost weight after moving out of home but that was mostly to do with having no money!!! Now we have a 3 year old son and we really don't want him to have the same diets we had as kids. We really belive in eating together at the table and have learn't to cook a bit but it's all been pretty much self taught as most cookery books are really complicated and time consuming and the meals can be pretty expensive to make. I have had a go at a few of your recipes the meatballs are great and we love the beef and ale stew and now I know how to make dumplings I will be having a go at a few more stews. I am amazed how few of my friends with kids eat proper food at the table as a family and I have been hassling them to give some basic recipes a go and have got a freind coming round with her daughter next week and I am going to show her how to do the meatballs. And although my son is only 3 he watches me cook all the time and loves making pizza and cakes. I have worked in health care and realise the problems with obesity. What you are doing is brilliant and even if you feel like you are banging your head against a brick wall sometimes please keep going. I will keep trying to convert my friends and your book is on my Christmas list. Thank you :)
    Posted by Claire on 14/10/2008 23:26:01
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  88. hey ! i love the show its fab i have a real interest in all that you do with the schools and communities. obesity can be a disasterous problem and tends to run in the females in my family. luckily it hasnt caught me yet i'm 18 and a confident size 8-10 but would like to stay tht way (or as close as possible to). i think getting the balance right is crucial girls should no look at size 0 models and aim to be like them its disgusting as i'm sure you will agree theres nothin wrong with likin your grub! (as long as its reasonably healthy)your meatballs recipe looks fab and i'm not a big fan of them usually (due to the fact tht i am a bit of a freak and like to make sure everything is cooked properly and all the way through lol)but will definately give it a go for me my mum n sister n ma boyfriend one night this week x :) i think these video clip recipies are fab and would be a great idea to compile them on a dvd or as clips available from itunes etc (somrthing to think about) thanks for all the ideas i will try master this and definately Pass It On x good luck i hope your output is worth your input :)
    Posted by Kelly x on 14/10/2008 23:17:52
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  89. I would just like to say that I believe that what you are trying to do is vital to our nation, both from a health perspective and an economical one. I did not aquire any cooking skills at school as I was geared towards the sciences and academic areas. My family thought that I incapable of and therefore did not encourage me. My Mother was too busy saving the world, like Jamie she also received an MBE. However when I bought my first home when I was 22, I taught myself, with a little help from the chefs from my company's restaurant. I proudly give amazing dinner parties and take great pleasure in passing on my skills to my 11 and 8yr old who are showing a true passion for cooking and ingredients. I do believe that despite a person's budget you can feed your family more economical using seasonal and fresh produce. A family meal ate in the dining room is the missing link in today's society and I truly believe that if more families were to socialise themselves in this way, would, in turn have a knock-on effect throughout our communities. Even though I mentioned that my Mother was a very busy parent, as was my dad. We did not eat until everyone was home and sat down to dinner as a family. The phone was not answered nor the front door, this was family time and gave everyone a chance to catch up with the news. Needless to say both my sister and I were politically aware by the time we were 6, but there you go! Both my children LOVE our family dinners and in this day and age it allows famillies to know their children, who their friends are and what they are up to. My partner and I are very aware of cetain chemicals in foods and the harmful effects. This has lead to the children not asking for certain things as they know how harmful they are to their health. The children have treat day on Friday and of a weekend we buy 1 bottle of fizzy drink. Quite often this is half full by Sunday as they choose to drink milk or mineral water! My children adore the smell of fresh corriander, ginger and garlic. I always make sure that they are involved in the evening meal and I know that they will remember this into adulthood. The government should promote this throughout the country, both in schools and for low income famillies. They could provide budgeting classes in job centres etc and reintroduce the Home Ec classes of old. I am going to discuss the possibilities of this with my Mother as she has connections with NHS and other government departments. Well done, I wish people could see the bigger picture of this project and pay it forward! Thank you for you time
    Posted by Donna Chandler on 14/10/2008 23:06:49
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  90. Jamie perhaps you need to think otside the box. Have you tried contacting people such as the WI and the guide and scout movement to take your ideas to other groups of people. If you can get young people intrested in what they eat and wanting to cook they could be a real means of bringing pressure on adults. Perhaps you could try a young cooks competition with the chance to demonstrate there recipe to others on TV. Schools need to get back to having cooking clubs and interschool cooking competitions. Could we have people cooking and passing on your receipts in the supermarkets, city centres and sports grounds. How many famous personalities can cook and will help to encourage others. Will Gordon Brown advise us to weather the credit crunch by cooking more healthy food so we can have a leaner fitter workforce? Come on Britain we can solve this problem of obesity!!!!
    Posted by Helewise on 14/10/2008 22:50:46
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  91. I've been watching some of the series and I think Jamie is spot on - people need to know what they are doing to themselves and how to cook properly. However, I am no prude and can spout a swear words with the best of them and I certainly don't have a problem with a few expletives, but the continual effing and blinding is really turning me off this programme. He has done for the English language what successive governments have done to the school meals system and Home Economics at school! Please, this could be an eye opener for kids but how can you let them watch this? I am a huge fan of Jamie's and I sincerely hope that this campaign works for the sake of all the people of UK. Keep up the good work, but tone done the language.
    Posted by dorsetfoodie on 14/10/2008 22:41:26
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  92. Just wanted to say well done to Jamie for taking this on. As a teacher of food and nutrition at a local comp I am passionate about giving students the knowledge and skills in order to feed themselves properly. The students love the subject and it's so great to hear they actually cook at home and not just in the classroom. My department have been inspired to start a 'Pass it on' cooking club after school to all students and their parents following the same recipes you are promoting. Please don't get disheartened by the press or whoever else giving their negative comments, at last we have someone trying to do something about the 'health of the nation!' - you've got my vote 100%. Am bringing 45 of my students down from Newcastle in November to the Good Food show, which I've done for the last 8 years and can't wait as we're booked in to see you in the Super Theatre - hope we get to speak, much admiration Lesley (Ryton Comprehensive School, Gateshead, Tyne and Wear). p.s. Don't suppose you could judge my Cook of the Year competition in June 2009? Know it's a very very very long shot but you don't get anything if you don't ask.
    Posted by Lesley Hender on 14/10/2008 22:28:19
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  93. Jamie Oliver is amazing, what a great idea. When i first got my own place i could boil an egg not i make loads of things from scratch, my spag bol is amazing. I am defo going to make the recipe's and pass them on, i've even asked for Jamie's book for crimbo. Good food is essential, its better for you and cheaper than a take away.
    Posted by Gill on 14/10/2008 22:27:38
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  94. Jamie's programme tonight was absolutely fantastic. I really enjoy his passion, not just about food but also, how he empowers others in becoming self sufficient in cooking for themselves, rather than relying, on pre-packed foods. Jamie, I am a strategy officer, working with 14 different Vulnerable client groups across Cumbria, the organisation that I work for, provides funds to help people maintain independence in their own homes through a housing related support service. This is a government funded programme being run nationally. We held our first ever fully inclusive event early this year, which included a demonstration from a local chef on how to cook on a budget, and a whole host of other activities, that including housing orgnaisation, Shelter, police probation services, and other local and national businesses, colleges, and other local government agencies, also promoting the work that they all do. On 8th May 2009 we will be hosting our 2nd event, The Focus is "Celebrating Success" and will have 7 key outcomes to the day, one of which will be aiming to promote the Governments health and well-being agenda. Last year we attracted over 220 people to our event and it was a fabulous day, which also including "Star Awards" which focused on the success of people who had demonstrated how they had overcome some serious problems in their lives, such as being homeless, having drug and alcohol mental health problems, to turning their lives around, and in some instances becoming support workers themselves I believe, that the work that you are promoting would have a positive impact and compliment the work that we would like to do at our inclusive event and wonder if you would be interested in coming along to Cumbria Supporting People's Inclusive Event on 8th May 2009, to promote issues around unhealthy cooking to healthy options, and providing advise and also a demo on how to cook healthly through cooking. This will also provide you with an opportunity to further promote the work that you have been doing in Rotherham, on the channel 4 programm tonight. please contact me on if you are interested. I look forward to hearing from you!!!!!!!!
    Posted by Andrea Smith on 14/10/2008 22:25:49
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  95. love the show.Can't believe how many adults can'y cook.Jamie is doing the government a favour and is getting no help in return.The will is not there as they don't see the big picture.It stands to reason that if obesity is erradicated,then the NHS will be less burdened and money saved.Governments don't have the luxury of planning that far in the future.Instead they stick to vote winning strategies.People should be samed into cooking for both themselves and their families, in the same way they have been shamed out of smoking and other harmful practices.We should compare ourselves to our european neighbours and try to live up to their standards.We should be as proud of our national dishes as they are of theirs; I mean, do you ever see Italians eating bangers and mash for supper, or going out for an English takeaway.British food is seen as an embarrasment in European countries such as Spain. The British public will eat food from, for example, India,China and America when they are at home, but refuse to eat anything but British food while on holiday.I am from Belfast and am sick of going for a meal and being offered sweet chilli sauce with everything.We know that we have fantastic local produce, yet we are turning out chefs who try too hard to empress with world food that they know little about.We wouldn't expect to get real Irish stew in a Spanish restraunt, so why do we expect the opposite.Everyone needs to play their part,schools,society,parents,supermarkets,restraunts, the press,government etc.I'm a big fan of Jamie because he's trying....ok maybe theres a little self publisising ging on, but at least hes consistant in his efforts to be remembered as something more than a TV chef.Never mind media studies in junior schools, get the basics right first;cookery,maths,english,science,and social responsibility, then worry about teaching less curcial skills. Good work Jamie and channel 4.
    Posted by chris edgar on 14/10/2008 22:24:37
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  96. All i can say is RESPECT! Alot of ignorant people just can't be arsed with cooking and I was one of them and now I will be jumping on what should hopefully be a large band wagon and learning to cook! Jamie is an inspiration and has my full support and hopefully one day the whole nation will too! Cheers
    Posted by CRAZY POTTS on 14/10/2008 22:23:31
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  97. I think what Jamie is doing in Rotherham is absolutely fantastic. There are few people in the world that are passionate about change and for Jamie to take on such a mamoth task and change one of the most important habits of our nation is admirable. I've been glued to the program and find it very exciting that these uneducated people are inspired to cook and then teach it to others. If this scheme were to come to Bristol... you can sign me up. I love to cook and will try anything once. My wife and I very rarely eat takeaways and almost never eat ready meals. I truly beleive that good home cooked food is the key to a healthy and long life. Good on you Jamie!! Don't give up mate.
    Posted by Shaun Morgan on 14/10/2008 22:23:20
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  98. Jamie, I watched your programme tonight, fantastic.My wife buy's a chicken most weeks and out of that chicken she can make 5 meals and a boat load of soup for her self & our son for the coming week. The reason for my email is to possibly suggest this to the peolple of Rotherham.Sorry to try and end tell you to suck eggs. Hopefully see you at 15 as i am a fellow epicurean. Regards Steven.
    Posted by Steven bottomley on 14/10/2008 22:21:38
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  99. I have been watching the series and think it is a good idea. We should all be more healthy but the supermarket and takeaways have made life more conveinient. I recently went mushroom picking in the local woods and was inspiered by one of jamies recipies, so, i did one of his pasta dishes and just added the mushrooms. I cooked at my parents and showed them the new recipe which we all sat down as a family, ate and enjoyed.
    Posted by nicky on 14/10/2008 22:21:19
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  100. i am also a novice-to jamie olvers ministry of food. i watched tonight for the first time. brilliant. i am 27yrs old have jst started a beauty course with 8 other 16 to 19yr old girls. tday while talking to them i learned none of them can cook or basically do anything for themselves (no different to how i was at that age!) i offered to get together and show them my skills with a pack of mince! ha ha i hear you! i am moving onto oter things fresh fish chicken chinese dishes! yes from scratch! but thats another tale! however, whilst offering my services i thought theres probably no point but after watching jamie oliver tonight rotherham i am thinking yes! that is exactly the point like most northern people (being from leeds myself) i am sceptial and cynical about everything in life! but jamie has just changed my whole opinion if my ew young friends learn something from me it will make me proud their parents proud and ultimately themselves! so thankyou jamie for i am about to pass it on! pukker! lots of love from georgia.
    Posted by georgia doig on 14/10/2008 22:17:19
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  101. I realise that Jamie himself may not see this comment but here goes. I realise that the mission was to help people that couldnt cook learn, but with me it was different. I can ( or so my family say) cook. But felt that my cooking had become run of the mill and very repetative. With Jamies series and book i have tried loads of recipes perhaps slightly tweeking to accomodate all the family members but my cooking has become much more varied, using the main core of ingredients and Jamies recipes has brightened up our meals no end!!! All I must say in huge shouty letters is THANK YOU!!!! What a fab inspiration. Please keep going, I havent really done pass it on to the extreme but my supper guests have all asked for you recipes and both my girls aged 11 and 8 help cook regularily so they have a real feel for their ingredients. Once again Thank you and also your fab team off 'pass it on teachers' who have done a great job during the series. Good luck with the dream, lets hope everyone helps even in a small way to make it reality. Kind regards Jo
    Posted by Jo Taylor-Jones on 14/10/2008 22:14:37
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  102. I've been teaching my sister in law for the last 6 months how to cook meals from scratch with fresh foods allowing her to ditch the ready meals. She didn't have a mum like mine who let me help in the kitchen and learn. She's got over her fear of fish and handling raw meat - one day I may even get her to try a prawn ;o) You have all of my support and my tears almost every week watching your struggle to try and change a world thats given up trying to do anything good. You're an inspiration to every parent out there. As my nanna would say - God Bless you Mr Oliver.
    Posted by Laura on 14/10/2008 22:10:20
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  103. What a brilliant and inspiring programme. Parents used to 'pass it on' or you got it in school. Today you get neither. My mother and grandmother taught me.My husband taught my kids to cook and one of them 'passed it on' when at uni. In today's financial climate, the ability to make something out of nothing is very important and the skills being passed on enables people to believe in their abilities.
    Posted by Rosemary on 14/10/2008 22:10:01
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  104. Hi Ive been trying to do my version of pass it on for some time (since b4 this series of Jamie's). Everytime I cook a simple dish that some-one says they like, I add it to my facebook as a note for my other friends to try. I get loads of comments saying that sounds great or I will try it BUT NONE saying it was great and they gave it a go. I pick the simplest recipies - I will not stop - but I do think that you can lead a horse to water BUT you cant make it drink
    Posted by Gabby on 14/10/2008 22:09:56
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  105. After watching the very first episode of 'The Ministry' i have now bought the book and cooked at least 3 of the recipes a week AND passed them on!! I can't understand why people are finding this hard to do, even my daughter who is seven and my nephews who are 12 and 10 are loving it. Long may it continue. Keep it up Jamie....Your doing a fabulous job.
    Posted by Nicky Rathbone on 14/10/2008 22:09:49
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  106. It's about time somebody did something proactive about the dramatic rise of obese cases in the country. Bring back home cooking and home economics in schools. Well done Jamie!!
    Posted by Rachael Hartley on 14/10/2008 22:07:07
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  107. Jamie,I would love to think that you are passed these comments to read and will take on board what the viewers say. Firstly I'd like to say what a fantastic concept for a programme,how to make a difference to real peoples culinary lives. So I started to watch your programme tonight ready to be inspired by how things can change. BUT! I had to switch it off as your swearing was so incredibly annoying and so unneccessary. You don't need to do it - why become another Gordon? surely your talent as a fabulous cook speaks for itself - is it because you are 'up north' and think this is the only way to engage your target market? surely not?! Please do tone it down. It made me ashamed - how are we viewed as nation if this is acceptable prime time TV? there is such an important message in what you are trying to do - dont turn people off by cheap language.
    Posted by vikki on 14/10/2008 21:44:20
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  108. I really like Jamies ministry of food and I think its absolutely great what he is tryin to do. I just find the language that he is using sometimes is awful. Is he trying to beat Gordon Ramsay? There is no need for it and any other programme he has done has never been like that.
    Posted by sara on 14/10/2008 21:26:36
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  109. I LOVE the new programme, what a simple but effective idea!! Jamie, i think you are a true inspiration to all, and you honestly do make a difference to the UK's ideas around food. I hope The Minstry suceeds and don't get too down hearted if some people resist the change, you can't win them all! you should be very proud. thankyou!!
    Posted by joanna on 14/10/2008 21:16:23
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  110. Thank goodness there are people prepared to stick their neck out to try to change things. I've just watched last week's episode and I'm inspired. I'm a bit lazy in the kitchen but I'm going to give it a go. Keep your chin up Jamie, there will always be negative people but you're doing something very positive for us all and we need you!
    Posted by Kathryn on 14/10/2008 21:01:14
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  111. I am really enjoying watching your program I'm not the greatest cook in the world but I try I managed to bring up my four kids on a low wage without takeaway's we couldn't afford them but I was really impressed by Mick the miner what a great talent that man has been hidding he's a natural wish I was but I'm going to make your recipies and pass them on .I wish you every success on your goal and will be proud to help PASS IT ON!! Good luck Jamie
    Posted by Elaine from Kirkcaldy on 13/10/2008 21:32:33
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  112. Fantastic what you are trying to do Jamie and i really hope you get through to people. Tonight i did a vegetable stir fry for myself & 4 yr old son which after prepping veg took about 5 minutes to cook and we both ate the lot,how hard is that. Mine & my partners ( a potato farmer and converted cook so long as it's one of your recipies he's following ! )biggest annoyance is how many places can serve up frozen,greasy,brown,revolting tasting chips,unless they are hand cut and come out dry & white we don't eat them and we certainly don't go back. I've only learnt myself in the last 2 years that a good chip can actually be a very nice thing !The same goes for roast potatoes,a friend of mine has just taken over a school kitchen in Northants and was horrified to find the previous lady had bought in frozen roast potatoes ( i've had the misfortune of having them served up to me in pubs & restaurants too ) amongst many other horrors such as ' just add water ' sponge mix. Perhaps you could teach folks how better to cook the not so humble potato as i know alot of people who get most offended at them being badly cooked. This whole subject and what you are doing is so so important for our future generations,the health of our children and the survival of our health system. Education is of course important but we all know really that children learn from example,if parents aren't seen to be eating a home cooked meal or a piece of fruit then of course they won't do it either. I would love to help in anyway i can. Good luck with it all i think you're a star.
    Posted by Gemma on 13/10/2008 20:44:43
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  113. Congratulations, Jamie. It always seemed ridiculous to me that they stopped teaching children to cook at school. Being able to prepare meals is such an important life-skill. I very much admire your taking the initiative to re-introduce this concept to people and show them how much entertainment and fun they can have cooking fresh food.
    Posted by Eileen Maybin on 13/10/2008 17:36:45
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  114. I consider myself fortunate as I rate myself as an OK cook and I have a love of cooking and sufficient knowledge to produce a variety of dishes which I am even now starting to teach to my 4 year old. I learnt the old fashioned way by helping out my mum in the kitchen (I'm 30 so missed out on being taught much actual cooking in school) and always try and make sure my family get regular home cooked meals with fresh, seasonal healthy ingredients. This isn't always easy to do as I work full time and may not get in until quite late each day. I manage by being very organised planning what we are going to eat at each meal for the week before doing my shopping so that I know roughly what to buy and what to get out the freezer when. Doing this means I can be very economical with our food budget. This is an important skill which has not been mentioned and I think needs to be taught to those who are obviously struggling. I think Jamie has missed this point. Having watched the show I thought I'd have a browse of the recipes on the web site and am a bit dissapointed that there isn't much in the way of traditional british food and REALLY simple dishes like leek and potato soup, corned beef hash, shepherds pie, stew, basic chicken casserole, fairy cakes, fruit crumble (my list goes on) and ways of making ultra quick healthy meals that can be at least part prepared in advance. One of the biggest grumbles I've heard from his cooks is a lack of time and I think this needs to be considered more. If Jamie really wants to get people cooking he should go right back to basics (like he did with the pancakes and does in the Sainsburys ads) with more familiar foods (not many people like asparagus!) so that the whole family can be involved in food preparation and also show people how to plan better. Also what those young mums who really cannot cook at all need is to be shown how to make things like omelette or cheesy beans on toast for when they are after a quick "nothing in the fridge or cupboard and no money" meal for their kids. With a bit of imagination you can easily rustle up very quick and healthy food for very little money. Rather than yet another fancy recipe book perhaps Jamie should turn his attention to producing "The Quickest Easiest and Cheapest Cookery Book Ever" and then get supermarkets to pay for it and councils to distribute it to everyone on benefits who could not afford to buy it for themselves. Maybe then he will start to get the healthy eating message out to the masses. The Ministry of Food worked in the 1940s because everyone cooked and there were no kebabs, currys houses or microwaves to fall back on. I don't think it will work now without radical rethink of it's methods.
    Posted by Rachel on 13/10/2008 17:21:07
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  115. jamie well done on this series.when my sons attended schhol the two older boys only learnt to cook pizza.the younger boy(21) was told hewas a danger to himself and others so banned from cooking.this did not deter him and he can now cook chicken curry.fahitas.breakfasts(he used to coo this for his brothers.he is probally the only one who has benefitted from pass it on.i learnt from my parents so did my three brothers who are all good cooks now i have taught my son and there girlfriends. and friends.keep up the good works you are definatelhy on the right track with this idea. i beleive in your idea.
    Posted by jane white on 13/10/2008 17:00:50
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  116. Jamie - I love the idea of pass it on - but would it not have been better to do it as a kind of "Ann Summers" party kind of affair. A group of people meeting to be shown how to prepare a particular meal? Just a thought sunshine - keep up the good work
    Posted by JacksDad on 13/10/2008 14:38:17
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  117. This is a fantastic idea and has been a huge inspiration to me. I am a single mum of 2, aged 11 and baby 14 months, and I struggle to cook good healthy food on a budget. In the last 2 weeks I have made spaghetti & meatballs and passed this on to 5 people!! Also we had the crispy ham chicken on friday which was gorgeous and Perfect Roast Chicken with gravy for dinner yesterday!! It was fab!!!!!!!!!!!! my kids love the food and i love cooking it, keep up the good work Jamie and bring on the next lot of recepies!!
    Posted by Alice Crothers on 13/10/2008 12:40:05
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  118. Jamie, you are an inspiration! I am passionate about getting people exercising for health reasons and it makes me glad to see someone else who cares! THANKS it will make a difference and Jules and the kids I am sure are very proud of you. If I can do ANYTHING please ask. Wendy, Northern Ireland. It has gone beyond scarmongering, our children are going to die before us, we must change our diets and our eating habits. Every three minutes in the UK and Ireland someone dies of coronary heart disease...dont become a statistic!
    Posted by Wendy Scott on 12/10/2008 23:13:18
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  119. Brilliant!! I think you are great and I love your enthusiasm and determination to educated everybody on food and health. 4 years ago I taught my then new boyfriend to cook. He used to 'cook' by microwaving whole chickens 6 minutes on each side in a microwave! God knows how he is still alive!! Anyway he now loves cooking and is working as a chef. I am happy to take on your challenge and teach some more. Best of luck keep up your continued fight to change, lots of love xxx
    Posted by Suziwooz on 11/10/2008 18:05:14
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  120. I think this is such a fantastic thing to launch across the country - it amazes me how many people do not cook from 'scratch'. I have 5 year old twin boys & a 2 year old daughter & yes it is really hard work & I am never out of the kitchen, but it is worth it to know exactly what my children are putting into their mouths. I am proud to say that they have NEVER had a boxed 'ready meal' - yes they have tinned ravioli & chicken dippers but this is about once a fortnight which doesn't harm. They love freshly prepared salmon fingers & smoked cod - they can't get enough of it! We need more cooking in schools & the government need to discourage the companies that make these ready meals - even just for the packaging alone!! I feel so strongly about food & nutrition that I have registered as a volunteer with a 'Children's Centre' to help promote healthy eating & the basics of just peeling a potato & am considering changing my career of 20 years to train as a Community Food Worker or even a Dietician if I can bring myself to tackle a degree once my daughter is in full time school. I would love to get on board with Jamie & find away to become involved in my local area!! BRING IT ON!!!
    Posted by Deanne on 11/10/2008 14:40:18
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  121. I am a 37 year old working Mum with 5 wonderful children from Australia and I watched the first episode of Jamies Ministry of food on Australian Tv last week. I must admit I was a bit shocked to find out that there are people out there who can not cook at all and rely on "take away junk" to feed their families (with young children) on a daily basis. I think what Jamie is trying to achieve is fantastic, besides the obivious benifits from being able to cook a home made meal, it could help combat many health problems and also bring families together again at meal times the list of benifits would be endless i would think. I can not imagine not being able to cook, it would be like not being able to read or write in todays world. My advice to anyone out there who cant or wont cook is to simply "give it a go" your families will thank you for it and it does not have to be that hard. Cheers from "down under" Juls
    Posted by Julie on 11/10/2008 11:12:50
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  122. Really admire what you are doing and hope it succeeds,but you do lose a lot of supporters along the way with your swearing.You have a brilliant way of putting things forward without continually swearing & using that FFFF word.Do your dear little girls ever see you on T.V.?? Good Luck
    Posted by Veronica Daniels on 10/10/2008 17:29:12
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  123. Firstly I would like to say congratulations to Jamie and his wife on there great news. My name is Dorothy, I have been cooking for some time, Mick the miner passed 3 recipes on to me, pan fried parmesan chicken with prosciutto (posh ham) ,mini shell pasta with bacon and pea sauce, chicken chow mein, I have been trying to master chicken chow mein for quite a while, but never seemed to get it quite right, since Mick passed Jamie's recipe on I got it just perfect, so it just proves that the pass it on does work even for people like me who do cook. I have passed the chicken chow mein recipe on to my cousin and am planning a pass it on cook party with my brother in law and his wife in the next couple of weeks, my brother in law is keen to learn he has never cooked in his life,just like his brother (my husband Tony) "so thanks Jamie and Mick" Tony has now cooked a meal for me, chicken with posh ham, how great is that.
    Posted by Dorothy Nooking Close on 10/10/2008 13:33:14
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  124. I think that the way that cooking is represented in your show is a fabulous thing. I hear so many people saying that they just can't be bothered to cook a meal after a long day at work; that they just want to relax. There is nothing more therapeutic than getting home, sticking your ipod in the dock/radio on and spending your wind-down time pottering around the kitchen. Much better than just flopping down in front of the telly and rubbing your tummy while your tv dinner is blasted with microwaves. Although I guess watching tv can also be perceived as a proactive passtime if your viewers become inspired to don their pinnies and fire up their hobs. Cookery needs rebranding as less of a chore and more of an opportunity for everybody to get in touch with their creative selves. I hardly ever follow recipes anymore (unless I'm doing something fancy), but like driving a car, with practice you instictively begin to know what works. Then you can start experimenting and trying new things. It's a lot of fun, and most rewarding of all is sharing your creations with other people who appreciate them. It's such a great idea to share this passion. I think that that's partly what Jamie is passing on, not just the recipes. I reckon that getting people to enjoy the experience of cooking is the key. Really hope it works!
    Posted by Darcy on 09/10/2008 17:40:56
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  125. Well done matey , as a chef myself i would just like to say full respect to you , keep up the good work. mike eyres
    Posted by mike on 09/10/2008 13:49:16
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  126. Just to let you know, I already do 'Pass it on' or 'Pay it Forward' by once a month having a couple of friends over where 'I' use them as guinea pigs for trying out new food. If they like it, they get the recipe :o) eventually :o) keep up the good work, sure bad lanugage isnt great but frankly we're not here to comment on the bad language but on the idea of Ministry Of Food'. Therefore keep your comments about Bad Language to another forum. Cheers medears! D
    Posted by Dawn on 09/10/2008 10:40:04
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  127. Jamie, You have such a great idea and vision. I live in Doncaster so just up the road from your Rotherham project, I am 36 years old and lucky by all accounts to have been taught to cook by my mum and dad - my wife Cheryl was not though and I got her interested in good food and cooking. Now she loves it and is a better cook than me.<br><br> I am a web designer by trade and when I see great ideas I always try and see how that idea could be translated to a website... would it be possible to set up a FOOD DATING SERVICE on your website where people can register and if there is someone who is already trained near to them then they fix a date for that person to come round and teach them a recipie... then eventually you would build up a database of thousands of people and against each persons name a list of the recipies they know - I would gladly go round someone elses house and cook for them and pass on what I know just to get people excited about good food. Keep up the good work. <br><br>Simon
    Posted by Simon Young on 09/10/2008 09:35:28
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  128. It is shocking how many people don't actually, can't actually cook! I have always cooked healthy meals for my children but I am always keen to learn more about food and the way food is prepared. I think it is a great idea to get other people involved in the way in which we cook. I believe in passing good things on... My sister has learnt a few basics from me like cooking a cottage pie! Now come on how easy is that? I thought everybody could cook things as simple as that, but obviously to some people it must be really tough!
    Posted by Jane Price on 09/10/2008 01:41:19
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  129. Jamie, I totally agree with your aims and goals of trying to improve the health of the nation. However as a resident of Rotherham, I do feel offended that your intention to pass it on to the whole of Rotherham, incinuates that you believe we all either cannot cook or do not eat healthily. I absoloutley love to cook and probably eat more healthy than most. I experiment with food, try everything new, invent my own recipies and ensure I don't exceed the recommended daily calorie, saturated fat, salt and sugar intake. My food intake is so varied that I would say I rarely eat the same main meal more than once each month. I ensure I eat a healthy breakfast everyday without fail. Yes this may sound too good to be true, but to be honest I am a weight watchers member and whilst I am not overweight now I was almost 4 stone heavier at the start of the year. What people don't understand is that weight watchers is not a diet, but a way of life of healthy eating. So whilst you are giving it your best Jamie, all the weight watchers classes that operate in the area are also promoting this great way of healthy living. The one thing I cnnnot work out is why Jamie didn't challenge Natasha when she said she could no longer afford to cook or travel to Rotherham to buy the food she requires. First of all, the cost of cooking yourself has to be so much cheaper than take aways or processed food, but also there is a Supermarket in Rawmarsh where she could buy all the food she requires at low prices. I don't think people who can't cook are 'thick', I just think they have not been fortunate enough to be taught or had the desire to learn from cook books, so what Jamie is doing in this respect is great, but please don't make out all people in Rotherham fit into this category. Ok I may be in the minority with my obsession to eat healthily, but I am certainly not in the minority when it comes to cooking. I would estimate that at least 90% of rotherham adults can cook. Jamie is doing a great job in something I am passionate about, but please don't patronise the whole of Rotherham residents.
    Posted by wendi on 09/10/2008 00:23:04
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  130. Hi Janie, Watched the show last night for the first time and loved it. I can understand you getting disheartened but even if you change the eating habits of a handful of people then your work is done. It changes their lives. I'd love to get involved in Pass It On, so anything in Leeds, get intouch. We have a massive family on both my and my husabands side. Just family alone, in addition to passing it on to friends would be great. I love cooking although I'm not a great cook but increasingly we are having take aways cos it just seems easier. I work with people with learning disabilities and it would be great to be able to pass it on to them too. I think a massive tradgedy in the UK is the fact that home economics is no longer part of the curriculum. I remember my cookery lessons vividly and they definitely set me on the road to cooking. Keep up the good work. Amanda xx
    Posted by Amanda Dagnall on 09/10/2008 00:20:35
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  131. Jamie, Just finished a grueling 16hr shift in the kitchen, sat down with bottle of wine. Watched your Ministry of food show and think its a great idea!!! Michelin rated, blaa, blaa, blaa chef myself. Anything I can do to help??
    Posted by Marc Mattocks on 09/10/2008 00:19:12
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  132. Hi Jamie. I`ll be honest, I have`nt had much time for you in the past....but what you`ve had a go at on the tv show, has made me want to have a GO at cooking myself! Im a married bloke with a BEAUTIFUL wife, a stepson whos 11, daughter whos 3 and baby 18 months and I want to be able to cook some good grub that they will all eat! Ive had a go occasionally, but the chicken/bacon with cheese & asparagus (can you get it this time a year?)in 6 minutes is what im going to have a go at tomorrow night for the family!! Send me a copy of your book (signed of course) and I`ll commit to cooking and obviously "PASS IT ON" to my mates. Cheers Ed
    Posted by Edward Trueman on 08/10/2008 23:48:03
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  133. Ihave to say that im glad Jamie came to rotherham. I live in rotherham myself and know full well what its like struggling to cook good meals on a budget. As a qualified chef myself i dont mind admitting to needing help now and again.I would gladly love to pass it on for jamie.When he came to rotherham he became a great friend of my dad and sister who feature in the show. Nice 1 Jamie keep it up huni we love ya xxx
    Posted by tammy frost on 08/10/2008 23:01:30
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  134. I think this is one of the best idears in a long time to combat obesity and i just hoope it works!
    Posted by John on 08/10/2008 22:46:16
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  135. Hi Jamie. Great show, but I wondered whether everyone will be able to afford the food you are cooking? Asparagus is one of the most expensive vegetables on the shelf. Is there a way you could find out how much money the average person on benefts spends on food a week, including takeaways? In particular on main meals, as you seem gto be focusing on those. It might help people to become involved if you shop for food for a week on that amount of money and teach recipes using that food. It won't be relevant to everyone but it will break down some barriers. I think it would be nice to try, because it is a very brave thing you are doing. Social change is a monentous thing to achieve. Keep at it. Jo.
    Posted by joanne porter on 08/10/2008 22:32:31
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  136. Hey Jamie Keep up the good work, i think what your doing is fantastic and should be a real inspiration to people. I think that dinner parties of an evening is a lost art and with your 'pass it on' campaign it should really encourage people to get together and cook good and healthy food. I work within the health care service and the difference a good diet can make and the benefits of even a small amount of weight loss is amazing. I think your doing a fantastic job and myself and many of my friends are 100% behind you. Katie - Somerset.
    Posted by Katie on 08/10/2008 22:12:36
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  137. You programme has really inspired me to cook more. It is fantastic to see someone so passionate about trying to change our views on healthy eating. It must be extreamly difficult to continue with all the bad publicity you receieve but remember you might get ten bad comments but that will be matched by a thousand good ones. Your a credit to our country. Many thanks!
    Posted by Jo Spenceley on 08/10/2008 20:57:37
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  138. keep going jamie. britain needs this we're behind you. from all the chefs of the hotel elizabeth rockingham!
    Posted by simon on 08/10/2008 16:56:03
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  139. The chicken breasts on last nights programme looked great but I missed the ingredients. I've searched the web site but without success. Can any one help... please?
    Posted by Chris on 08/10/2008 16:51:52
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  140. Hi Jamie I work with a number of children centres across Northern Devon who do provide cookery advice for parents of children under five. Would you like to bring your campaign to North Devon and pass it on to mums and dads in our part of the country? We would love to host some sessions in our children centres. We do have some shocking statistics on the health of our most disdvantaged communities where life expectancy is almost 14 years less than the rest of the country if you live in a particular area of the county. Look forward to hearing from you Melissa Filby
    Posted by Melissa Filby on 08/10/2008 15:56:42
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  141. I find it hard to understand how some people can claim that they cannot afford to cook their own food and find it cheaper to buy takeaways. I just went to my local supermarket today, bought £2 worth of vegetables and with a stock cube made a huge pot of soup. My kids hate vegetables but will drink a bowl of vegetable soup no problem. Once they have that inside of them I don't mind if they don't eat anything for dinner. I put the excess in bowls and freeze them and then use them when I want. I can't understand how people who are on benefit say they have no time to cook. What do they do with their time ?
    Posted by Grainne Mason on 08/10/2008 15:41:34
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  142. Love Jamie, his programmes and his books. But why does he have to curse and swear so badly in this new programme. Kids are watching (well, my kids anyway). Perhaps he's been to the Gordon Ramsay school of elecution.
    Posted by Grainne Mason on 08/10/2008 15:35:10
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  143. Why does Jamie need to use such bad language? I heard him interviewed on Jeremy Vine and The One Show. He spoke elequently and plainly about his programme without using a single swear word. There is no need for him to copy Gordon Ramsey! This language does put people off. Apart from that I do enjoy the programme and he has my full support. My daughter is a Home Ec teacher so she is trying her best to get the next generation cooking. I am a widowed pensioner and wouldn't even consider takeaway meals. How long does it take to cook a stir fry for goodness sake. Keep up the good work Jamie.
    Posted by audrey marlow on 08/10/2008 15:31:20
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  144. Jamie, nice idea, but it is a shame that you are unable to express your feelings and emotions without the use of the f-word.
    Posted by GC on 08/10/2008 14:39:44
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  145. Wow! What a FANTASTIC programme (apart from you trying to compete with Mr Ramsay(!) by seeing who can say the most "F" words in their programme...no need for it Jamie - tut tut!! I've just bought my hubby the book for his birthday...there will be no more pizza and chips in the oven when it's his turn to cook! KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK - and ignore all the negative comments from your class (most people put up a fight when being taught something new...keep going!).
    Posted by Kim on 08/10/2008 14:09:01
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  146. I'm a student at uni so I'm having to cook for myself for the first time, but after watching this programme I straight away decided not to always be buying ready meals and junk food, but to cook properly for myself, especially after seeing how healthy and simple it is. It must be so hard to do what you're doing but keep up the good work, it's amazing to see in only 2 episodes that people ar cooking home made meals for their families. Well done Jamie, i love the show!
    Posted by reez on 08/10/2008 13:53:02
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  147. I'm loving the show and I think the message behind what Jamie is doing is great! However, I wonder if the ingredients for some of the recipes are a little out of the price range for most ordinary and poorer households. Fresh food is great and I grow my own etc. but buying it in the shops is expensive, perhaps more vegetable dishes using seasonal varieties might be a more realistic option for middle to low income families???? I don't mean to be a stickler because I think the principle behind the show is great and don't give up Jamie!!, but to get "pass it on" to work across a wide range of economic backgrounds, perhaps, the ingredients need to be a bit more "down to earth" as I'm not sure that steak or fresh parmesan are (especially at the moment). :)
    Posted by Jord on 08/10/2008 12:48:55
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  148. Jamie, After watching your show, I am going to teach my little sister to cook before she goes off to University next year. I am also going to teach my friend to cook who has just moved into her first flat and lives on 'Laughing cow and crisp sandwiches'. I now know a few recipies after being labelled 'can't cook won't cook' as a teenager by my mother. I am now inspired to learn more from my sister who cooks most things from scratch despite having a busy job and having two kids under five. I will then pass these on to other friends. I think this is a great idea, we all know someone who can't cook, go out there and teach them! Keep going! we can't afford as a country to give up on this.
    Posted by Els on 08/10/2008 12:35:06
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  149. Dear Jamie, please fight on and dont get too disheartened by the negative attitude of some. I would love to help out in your shop if you have any in the near future in Hertfordshire. I, like many, rarely used to cook until about 15 years ago when on Xmas eve my wife went down with flu and the choice was either cancel all the family for Xmas dinner or do it myself. So I cooked myself and the turkey was fine and the veg etc were all fine'ish except they were all ready at varying times throughout the day, not all together. So it was then that I decided that slowly but surely i would learn to cook. I have followed you from your Naked Chef early days, and with the help of your books, feel that I am able to tackle pretty much any recipe. My height came a couple of years ago when I stupidly agreed to cook for what I thought was a small party and turned into a function for 230, although I have no intentions of ever repeating that. I work from home and could be flexible in the help given
    Posted by Jeff on 08/10/2008 11:25:02
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  150. Great show last nite jamie.more of the F word please in the next show. even my kids was having a giggle. i'm a disabled house husband and dad of three boys i do cook everyday and try to not have the same meal twice in a week. i do enjoy cooking its nice for the wife to walk in from work and have her dinner put infront of her. or smell it as she come's threw the door. just lateley i'm running our of idea's. i cook healthy dinners everyday and they all clear there plates witch makes me feel good. we was laffing the the woman on last nite's show who felt like she was being pushed out. i'm sorry dear but if you dont put any effort in then what is jamie supposed to say to you?. we could clearly see why jamie was getting fed up. i suggest a cook of between meself and a couple of the women from the show lol. if a disabled bloke can cook then so should other able people be able to. i think its discusting when people have kids and dont even know how to throw a meal together for them. I always set the table up so things look nice and presentable. i'd love to pass some of the recipes around. especialy where i live couse we do have a lot of people who send there kids to the chip shop for dinner. a bag of chips everyday just dont it cut for me. however we do have our home made pizza every friday. i make it so i know whats on em. one junk food nite a week i dont mind. if you ask a child what he or she wants for dinner they will ask for junk food every time. i never tell out lot whats for dinner unless they ask this way i dont hear the old. i dont like it. ive never tried it but i know i aint gonna like it. and excuses like that. throw the meal infront em and and say at least try it. we have friends come to stay some weekends and everytime i start cooking my m8's wife says our kids aint gonna like that. but when they do sit down to eat they eat the lot. we have other friends with 3 kids and they think a ham sarnie bag of crisps and a choc bar is good enough for a dinner. constantly eating junk food then saying to people i cant loose the weight. Milton keynes is the fastest growing city in the uk only thing is some people are growing outwards couse they dont know how to cook a meal. alot of people say they havent got the time to cook. well when you have kids you have to make time.
    Posted by Garf Greenfield on 08/10/2008 11:17:40
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  151. well done jamie im a cook myself in a primary school and find it really hard to belive that children of today dont know what home cooked foof is like. i know school meals have improved greatly (in south wales)but the kids still havent tried things like sheperds pie,lasagne,casserole we have to cook all these from scratch and it breaks my heart when you see the children throw it away i think to myself what a waste of time but perhaps if their parents could cook then perhaps they would try diffferent foods.My own children love noyhing more than a home cooked meal especially fresh vegetables. Good luck and hope you sucess continues .
    Posted by diane joyce on 08/10/2008 10:51:51
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  152. Well done Jamie! Think what you are doing is fantastic. However it is a sad reflection on what our society has become. I was shocked to learn through your show that people are not cooking and relying on the ready meal and take aways on a daily basis. I didn't know this was happening, no wonder so many people are suffering illness and obesity. I am not a great cook by any stretch of the imagination!! BUT I think it is important to serve my children home cooked food, where I know there are no E numbers, high salt and fat levels, which are all present in ready meals. Keep up the good work!
    Posted by Sarah Jane on 08/10/2008 10:13:24
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  153. Keep going Jamie - as a working mum of teenagers, I have seen the diastrous diet of so many of my children's friends - and know how hard it is to keep picky children on track with learning good eating habits for a lifetime. Even their teachers could not cook soup when it came to doing it in class - I was the only one (of 4 - teacher, assistant and 2 mums) who had any idea how to make it! Everyone needs to cook for their health, their wallet and enjoyment.
    Posted by Kerry on 08/10/2008 08:58:02
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  154. I think your show is fantastic. I think what you are doing is an amazing take on and you are a brave man to take on the challange. I only wish you'd do something like this in Ireland too!
    Posted by Ame on 08/10/2008 08:49:43
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  155. Jamie, you are an inspiration to all of us. The more people that can cook the better it is for all of us. Keep up your amazing work.
    Posted by Rob on 08/10/2008 07:20:00
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  156. I'm a part time single dad who lives on a boat and is a self-employed carpenter. My lifestyle is hectic and busy but I still make time to teach my 2 year old son about food and cooking. I don't think that's amazing and I'm not looking for plaudits, I just think that somewhere along the line we've forgotten to teach the next generation the essentials of life from boiling an egg to putting up a shelf and what simple joy that can bring. What a tragic loss!!! Last week I skived off work for the morning (yes, I'm that builder who phoned you when you were expecting me and told you something had come up.. sorry - ish..). I spent the morning picking blackberries with my son and then we made a huge mess and somehow produced some muffins. I dropped him off to nursery in the afternoon and gave the staff our still slightly warm handywork. They didn't seem terribly impressed and I think they might have binned them. I don't really mind that as I think I might have cooked them too quickly on too high a heat but what's got under my skin are several things... Just because I'm male doesn't mean I can't cook. Just because the muffins came in an old quality street tin instead of prettily packaged supermarket cellophane, doesn't mean they won't taste good. No additives were used, no bulking agent! Just hand-picked organic blackberries, flour, eggs, sunflower oil, a little sugar and some baking powder. What is wrong with this country that we don't recognise good, simple, home made food and all of the very widespread benefits that can bring to us and our children? We already live in an artificial state of fear bred by the media and the scaremongers. Just because it hasn't been sterilised and scrutinised by the militarian supermarket process, is it really necessary to be frightened of a home made muffin??? (Land of hope and Glory playing in my head.... something about never have so many owed so much to so few, we'll fight them with the peaches...) Well done Mr Oliver... Come the revolution Brother.
    Posted by S Wilcox on 07/10/2008 23:25:14
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  157. £70 a week on takeaway rubbish but claim to be unable to afford to eat fresh food.....I can feed myself and hubby fresh for half of that a week!!! SCANDALOUS!
    Posted by Still learning on 07/10/2008 23:15:10
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  158. thank God for Jamie. i live in Rotherham and its about time that someone is doing something. there made foodare lots of people talking about the problems we have, but only one person doing something about it (jamie). its not just Rotherham that has these problems.its happening all over G.B. i can cook and have been cooking for 18 years.lets get more & more people in England cooking. its a fantastic feeling cooking home for friends and family. Keep cooking!!!!
    Posted by warren nolan on 07/10/2008 23:10:04
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  159. hi jamie keep up the good work, its been interesting to watch the programme i went to catering college for 2 yrs and loved it, although i myself sometimes slip into lazy habits like microwave meals and ready meals,as cant always be bothered,its been nice to watch some basic meals being cooked which look rather tasty, although dont agree that yu cant really cook when on benefits.I have lived on benefits and there are enough shops that are cheap enough to accomodate even a basic meal like sausages and mash, i agree not everyone can cook but they dont have to be expensive dishes.its a good programme as just making people aware they can cook with just the minimum ingriedients which is good keep it up jamie and hope the show is a great sucess and ,good look to everyone who has taken part
    Posted by kate on 07/10/2008 23:00:09
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  160. i love the show i can cook but am a very fussy eater. However if it was ever done in Southampton i know me my mum and sister would have a go at it. I don't understand why people are moaning about it you have the opportunity to be taught for free some basic recipes whats wrong with that.
    Posted by Madge on 07/10/2008 22:56:05
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  161. Jamie you are fantastic! To take the time out of an assumably very busy diary and to even care enough to try and help normal British everyday people to become healthier and more educated regarding food and nutrition should be celebrated, not argued against. I think in modern day society it is tragic that people think that living on processed takeaways is a cheaper, quicker and healthier option. Takeaways, which unfortunately are too easily available, are expensive, more often than not not very tasty and full of who knows what. In most cases it is actually much cheaper to buy the ingredients and cook your own meal than to buy a takeaway for a family of four. I am out of the house 60 hours for work every week, though either my husband or I cook everyday even something quick like grilled meat and roasted veg. I wish the people whom Jamie had chosen to assist him in "passing it on" actually tried to do this rather than just seeing it as an opportunity to get on the TV. As a nation we have to act now as our children are learning some terrible habits that sadly this will affect many more generations to come! Keep up the good work Jamie dont be put off by a few defensive people, there are plenty of open minded people out there praying for the opportunity to change their lives!! I think the government should also take note and do something practical about this issue rather than just keep talking about it!
    Posted by Sam on 07/10/2008 22:53:29
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  162. I think what Jamie Oliver is trying to do is fantastic. Cooking meals from scratch every night can be a pain in the bum, but I just don't believe that getting takeaways every night is a sensible, healthy or cheap alternative! I don't blame anyone for not being able to cook - how are you supposed to be able to do someting if you've never been taught how? - but what irritates me is when people like that Burger Mum woman start bleating on about how it will never work. Gaah! Of course it will never work if people have that attitude! I've always loved cooking, but with two two-year-olds, I just don't have the time to cook long, involved recipes any more. Instead of resorting to takeaways, I made a long list of all the healthy recipes I could think of that took less than half an hour to cook, cost less than a takeaway and could be made with ingredients that keep forever in the fridge or freezer or can be found at our corner shop. I thought up 45 - plenty for a balanced diet. I also copied the recipes for some friends who now swear by them.
    Posted by Claire on 07/10/2008 22:51:31
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  163. I am a 39 year old man with 4 children spread over 18 years and i know how easy it is to order a pizza or pick up fish & chips for a quick fuss free tea after working all day but a massive lesson has been learnt with my youngest son. He is now 4 year old and as soon as he was able to manage finger food his mother stuck a bowl full of carrot sticks or cut up cucumber in front of him, this has resulted in him preferring to have a bowl of his favorite snack (red pepper) to a bag full of sweets that would not only rot his teeth but also make him obese. How many kids would be so much better off if their parents used this technique rather than stuffing bags of crisps and sweets in front of the kids they profess to love literally to death. Anyone trying to make a difference to our children's health should be applauded, keep up the good work Jamie!
    Posted by lee richards on 07/10/2008 22:49:13
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  164. I just wanted to say "Well Done" - just for trying. I really don't care if there are a few offended "northerners" out there and I can say that as my family originate form up north but for god's sake - there are kids eating absolute crap and adults who genuinely don't have a clue about food - any food!! Do you not see why this is an issue? I have worked in Catering over 13 years now and spend every day of my life dealing with chefs but the best people I speak to are the youngsters who have learnt to cook and love going home to show their families what they've been learning in their new jobs etc. Of course people will come up with excuses - no money, no time etc but if this programme does nothing but make a few people kick their arses into gear and start at least trying to cook better for themselves and their kids - it's already been a success. It breaks my heart that petty crap gets in the way such as how they personally feel - and how the programme represents a town....if you don't like it sort it out - help! I can say with complete confidence that not all of the people in the north is like some of the people shown so grow up - that's not the intention. It needs to shock in order to do something positive - and as for the language - well, if you'd ever worked in ANY professional kitchen (or walked down the street for that matter) you'd realise that frankly ALL chefs swear a lot - not met many that don't and that language doesn't matter - sometimes you need to speak someone else's language to get the message across. Nice one Jamie - good luck to you - I have decided to "pass it on" as well - I've been fortunate enough to be shown how to cook since forever by my family - and now I have invited the girls round from work for a special Dinner party - they get to make dinner!! It looks to be a great night! Some of you out there with your negative attitudes might want to try it!! Good luck - and long may it continue!! Much Love to ya!!
    Posted by fiona cook on 07/10/2008 22:38:17
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  165. I think this project to get the UK cooking is brilliant! Its good that the tough realities are there in the programme too, so we see why it is so hard for people to change. But Jamie and his team are tackling a huge problem in lot of very imaginative ways. Inspirational!
    Posted by Monica on 07/10/2008 22:37:35
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  166. You have changed my mind about cooking Jamie ... thanks :)
    Posted by Victoria on 07/10/2008 22:36:08
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  167. Can no body see the point. Jamie was not making a programme to portray Rotherham in a particular light, nor does he probably care about what people think about his language. He is doing a fantastic job of highlighting the lack of ability of millions of people to prepare and cook themselves a decent meal. He has put in a huge effort and time to try to resolve a country wide problem of growing obesity etc. He will potentially increase people length and quality of life for thousands of people. Instead of moaning about how Rotherham looks on a tv programme, cedit where credit is due - he has taken on a incredible challenge and has put so much time and effort to overcome every obstacle he has incurred along the way - to achieve something fantastic. A long with the school dinners campaign, Jamie will have potentially change millions of lifes for the better - with little support or encouragement, just his own ambition and determination. Who cares how Rotherham is presented - Could you ever change so many peoples lifes for the better and accomplish such amazing achievements?? Stop your moaning and give the guy some support!!
    Posted by Lyndon on 07/10/2008 22:33:40
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  168. Wow - what a fantastically inspiring programme and concept. Well done once again Jamie. I work for all of the 13 schools on Canvey Island, Essex as an Extended School Coordinator and part of my role is to provide after school activities, family learning activities and holiday activity programmes. I am really keen to incorporate the Ministry of Food concept into forthcoming activities - I will have to get my thinking hat on! Canvey Island is a close knit community with a defined boundary of the sea wall. We have over 40 take aways! and a population of 40,000ish. Whenever we run a cooking activity for either young people or families they fill u p very quickly so I feel we have a receptive audience. Watch this space! Sharan Allsopp
    Posted by Sharan Allsopp on 07/10/2008 22:33:36
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  169. Jamie Oliver could sit and do nothing for the rest of his life; or run a Michelin star restaurant and publish recipe books. Instead he is investing time and effort into improving our chances of living past 50 - because if we don't improve our eating habits - we won't make it. Don't sit there and think it won't happen to you - chinese/indian takeaways; kebabs; pizza; crisp. Busy lives and money - or - Time and no money - it's the same - there is no shame in being on benefit and eating kebabs - no more than earning a lot of money and living on indian/thai/chinese takeaways because you don't have time and are too tired to cook. Priorities are all well and good when there are no problems; no stress... Keep it up Jamie and Natasha - it's inspiring!
    Posted by CatLover7 on 07/10/2008 22:28:52
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  170. People are getting so hung up about the class argument, and turning that upon Jamie. The truth of the matter is that Jamie Oliver felt that education was lacking when it comes to cooking. It has no relation to whether you can afford somthing or not. I am one of three children educated in three different schools. My sister did a bit of cooking at school, made bread a christmas cake, that sort of thing, but never learnt to cook. I took GCSE Home Economics, we learnt everything about what food is good and bad and how to do good basic cooking. She has struggled with being over weight all her adult life. Her and her husband eat different things every night that are generally convenience foods, and the children, well she does try I suppose. In my house things are very different, and one of mine is a fussy eater, but we keep try with her. The point I'm trying to make is that it is all about the education of cooking nothing more. We are told our children need to have GCSE maths, English, and an extra language, but of all my education, cooking has to be the most important as an adult. Why doesn't the government and schools make it so Cooking is a mandatory GCSE for all? Oh and by the way, my sister was educated in the top Independent girls school in the country!
    Posted by Little Cook on 07/10/2008 22:26:18
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  171. Hi Jamie, Really enjoy what ur trying to do, fair play kid, more people should have that chance to learn how to cook, I'm a one parent dad and always enjoy finding out more ways of cookin for my daughter.
    Posted by davy brown on 07/10/2008 22:25:27
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  172. hi the idear of pass it on is great, i was wondering that if you did a sponsered pass it on week.This may give people even more of an insentive of doing it people could get sponsered for each recipe and each person they pass on and raise money for charity like cancer research,ect what do you think ?
    Posted by tash on 07/10/2008 22:24:23
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  173. Well done Jamie! I think the series i a good thing you are trying to do. I myself grow up on something and chips. I was overweight and unable to join in other kids games. I decided to teach myself to cook, now me and my family have a good healthy diet which if planned ahead can be easy and quick.
    Posted by sam on 07/10/2008 22:23:30
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  174. I'm glad that we have people like Jamie Oliver in this world. If it weren't for him who else would make an effort to change the way people eat. We are in the grip of an obesity epidemic and something needs to be done. He gives up his time becuase he cares, he doesn't have to. It's a shame that the government haven't a few more people like him working for them. I would like to say well done Jamie for another one of your brillaint projects. I for one will be trying your recipes and passing it on.
    Posted by Vicky C on 07/10/2008 22:23:18
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  175. I have watched both episodes now, and so far i am enjoying it. I think ther return of the Ministry of Food is a great idea, to learn how to make healthy meals stretch on a budget in today's throw away culture. I was quite amazed at how some folk didn't even know how to boil water.?? But then you have to account for the increase in life pace and how manufacturers have cleverly pushed convienence foods and ready meals for the busy family , to the point now that the art of cooking is struggling. As a family we cook together and we have made this a concious effort. my kids have friends that rarely get home cooked meals cos mums/dads too busy. I have been there , chuck in a pizza and some chips its QUICK AND EASY , then we watched more and more progs on health and food and the effects of a poor diet. plus our waist lines began to expand. I don't have time to go to friends to cook but we do swap recipes. I have recently converted one friend that lived on ready made crap and she has now a passion for good healthy food. I also agree with another poster that Chip shop food and Take aways cost far more to feed a family , than you can go to the shop and buy fresh food. When i last went to the chip shop (which was 3 mths ago) i cost me £18 for food for 5 of us. I know i could make 2 decent meals from proper food out of that . But again it was convenience, i was working a double shift . So as an occasional treat , yes , but every day . absolutly not. GOOD LUCK JAMIE
    Posted by Rinnie on 07/10/2008 22:22:45
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  176. Jamie should try out his feed a family for a fiver recipes. They would show people what you can do on very little (the majority of britain these days) Grandparents should be encouraged to go to the ministry of food in rotherham and pass on their recipes and perhaps help in the shop with baking lessons. Many kids dont have mums at home to teach them anymore which many of us forget. Jamie has a good concept he has but should leave out the bad language. Rotherham is a good place with many hard working people who can cook but does also have people who do need educating with healthier eating (just like every area in britain). Maybe the people on benefits should be made to work in the shop voluntarily to give them life skills (they may even get a job at the end of it)instead of sitting at home moaning, buying takeouts and smoking.
    Posted by rotherham resident on 07/10/2008 22:20:14
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  177. What a brillian idea the ministry of food is. If there are any projects in my area (Ipswich/Stowmarket/Needham Market, in Suffolk) please let me know as I would love to be involved. At my workplace there have been a few girls who have no idea how to cook (one didn't even know how to make gravey) and I just love passing on/showing how to cook. I have a fair few ecnomical and easy dishes of my own so PLEASE PLEASE LET ME KNOW. Keep up the good work.
    Posted by Jackie Davies on 07/10/2008 22:20:04
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  178. Just watched the second episode of Ministry of Food, after missing the first and reading about the unfair representation of Rotheram. I think the programme and the idea is great and i don't think it makes rotheram look as bad as the media is suggesting it is. There are towns all over the country (i come from one), where there are plenty of people who do know how to cook healthy foord for the family and plenty who don't. If Jamie had focused on the people in Rotheram who could cook there would be no programme or there would still be complaints about miss representation. The programme is fantastic simply for really putting the issue of unhealthy eating and non-education in schools, right in front of people. It's just a shame it takes a programme to recognise the problem and isn't being tackled seriously by our government. Even though i cook regularly at home, if there was a ministry of food where i live- i'd be there in a flash. Good luck rotheram- i think you can do us all proud!
    Posted by Trixy on 07/10/2008 22:19:00
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  179. I give myself a budget of around £60 a week to feed a family of 4 that includes all fruit veg and fresh meat. so it can be done! GO JAMIE you're welcome for dinner at mine any day!
    Posted by R Fraser on 07/10/2008 22:18:02
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  180. I would like to see regular adverts and short programs on the telly educating people on how to grow your own veg, cook with cheaper cuts of meat, make basic recipes that make your house keeping money go a bit further... just like they did with the original ministry of food. Folk need regular information to promote healthy and economical living especially during the 'credit crunch'.I think this would have a far wider reaching impact for a small outlay from the government- rather than free theatre tickets to a few folk to see Shakespeare
    Posted by onion lady on 07/10/2008 22:16:44
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  181. I grew up on a Council Estate in a household that struggled to pay the bills. BUT My Mum & Dad always cooked from scratch and we always had veg (grown in our garden). I think this idea about passing on cooking tips and recipes is great. Too many people rely on excuses in life - doesn't matter what your pay scale is - this country is getting fat and the NHS can't cope. We should all try to pass it on - doesn't matter if you are a Jamie fan or not.
    Posted by Cricklewood Lass on 07/10/2008 22:15:12
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  182. i have just watched ministry of food and i think it is a FAB idea and i would love to be involved! i am a terrible cook and i have no idea on even the basics but at the moment i am trying my best with help from my boyfriend i think the people who have written negative comments are just negative people! xxx
    Posted by kym125 on 07/10/2008 22:14:51
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  183. Well done Jamie... It doesnt take a lot of money or effort to cook a decent healthy tasty meal.. A veg pack costs nothing and goes a lot further than a 12 pack of crisps!!!!!!!!! I have 3 kids and know what makes a healthy child, it's laziness parents serving fast food and an excuse saying its cheaper!!! Hopefully Jamie's programme makes people see sense and stops lazy parents being excused for not cooking and taking responsibility for there kids health (am on benefits doesnt cut it)- never mind there own. Well done jamie!!!!
    Posted by sara on 07/10/2008 22:14:17
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  184. Like the show but could Jamie cut down on using the "F" word please! In the latest episode even a miner asked him not to swear.
    Posted by simon on 07/10/2008 22:14:03
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  185. Jamie - don't give up, you're doing an amazing job. I've been lucky, I was brought up in a family where cooking good, wholesome, natural food was a daily routine. My Gran is a natural baker, my Mum is a natural cook, my Uncle was a cetering manager and my borther was trained as a chef so I too love to cook and bake and especially love to pass on recipes to others! Today I had my best friend and her two kids for the day - the kids are aged 13 and 10 (one girl and one boy) and my friend had asked me if I would teach them to cook/bake as she doesn't really do either!! We started off with an easy chocolate cake (with my own gooey choc icing) and they loved it! Took most of the cake home with them to show their Nan and family...brill. They left a couple of slices, one for my daughter and one for my husband who phoned them up after he ate his bit to tell keep up the good work darlin', you're doing a fantastic job!! Take care, Gail Renwick (a fellow food fanatic!).
    Posted by Gail on 07/10/2008 22:13:43
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  186. I would just like to say this is a fantastic idea because of peoples life styles working long hours other commitments etc people are loosing the pashion for cooking. cooking is a wonderfull thing when you succeed at it you will want to keep going. My advice is give jamie olivers recipes a try as i no you will love the m hopefully you will pass it on where ether you may be so please i ask you give it a try i did and it makes me feel better noing that im not eating a unhealthey diet evreyone needs a balanced diet all theese saturated fats are killing loads of people and it is costing th NHS a absoulte fortune. Ithink you ow it to ureself to take this challange and hopefully you will see the benifits and look for a brighter future GOOD LUCK yours sincerley Martyn thomas
    Posted by martyn thomas on 07/10/2008 22:12:23
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  187. im sorry but its not just excersize that will help the fat kids, healthy eating is a massive part too. And if children find that the only things fun to eat are full of fat and crap then im sure they will find being overweight and having diabetes increadably fun. woo hoo!
    Posted by foxyraerae on 07/10/2008 22:10:22
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  188. think all your doing is spot on mate, good luck
    Posted by martin on 07/10/2008 22:09:17
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  189. I think this is a fab idea. I love cooking and try and cook for at least myself every day. However I'm a vegetarian and most of the recipes on the show contain meat. I know vegetarians are a minority but I would love to see just a few new and different ideas for people who don't or can't eat meat.
    Posted by Grace on 07/10/2008 22:09:09
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  190. Hello Jamie and Co, just watched your program in Rotherham and I have to say I thought it was brilliant!!! As a college lecturer, I found the way people were inspired through learning a new thing amazing - the confidence it is giving Natasha, Big Mick's new found love of cooking. I honestly have to say that seeing that sort of learning environment and the results you are getting really inspires. And who the hell was it that thought it showed Rotherham in a bad light?!!!? That day of cooking at the grounds with the 100 or so blokes did the town proud, shaking of hands, the friendship - salt of the earth working class blokes - makes you proud to be british!! I do hope the government are watching this - i think the re-opening of the ministry of food is a must, not an idea or option. Infact, I was so fired up by the programme, I wanna volunteer - oh, and I'll be trying a few of the recipes out too!!!
    Posted by Mike Diamond on 07/10/2008 22:07:44
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  191. Don't know if Jamie actually gets to see this, but after watching what happened at Rotherham Football Club. I can see how they felt. The first episode gave people nationwide the impression that no one in Rotherham can cook, yet me and my girlfriend enjoy cooking and experimenting with different ingredients. Although it is a good idea to get people cooking, it would have been nice to see people from Rotherham sharing there ideas. Thanks, Kyle.
    Posted by Kyle Fraser on 07/10/2008 21:50:59
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  192. I was dismayed to learn that some poeple are completely incapable of cooking something as simple as a pancake. Being the step father of a 15 year old boy, I am disappointed with the education system of today, cooking and simple home economics just don't feature in todays ciriculum. My step son is keen to grasp the fundamentals of cooking, realising the importance of a healthy, balanced diet, and I am a willing teacher but by no means a professional. Having failed entry into the armed forces as a trainee chef, due to colour blindness, I was forced to take the first job offered to me which was in engineering. To this day, I regret not persuing a career in food but have kept it up as a hobby and am more than happy to share my experiences with anybody who is prepared to listen. JAMIE, GOOD WORK FELLA!
    Posted by Dizza on 07/10/2008 20:17:20
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  193. To Jamie Oliver - was very interested in the programme and has given me a great idea for the primary school where I work - getting families from different cultures together to swap their recipes and show each other how to cook them. We are hoping to start with our Somali community as we have a great outreach worker to help us. Sadly my son's secondary school hasn't quite got the message of healthy eating, inviting Y7s to a evening at the panto, price includes supper at McDonalds on the way!
    Posted by cathy on 07/10/2008 19:53:10
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  194. I live near rotherham, and had teh opportunity to do something for the show.. which i refused and now im glad that i am. Jamie is portraying Rotherham in a very negitive way i would like to point out that not everyone is like this. The vast majority of us can cook, So Jamie i respect what you are doing but please do it in a less patronising way or dont at all. Im still only young and i know how to cook...
    Posted by Creeper on 07/10/2008 15:33:22
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  195. I really like the show on Tuesday but I have three children two teenagers and an eleven year old. We started to watch it together because my youngest enjoys cooking. I wished Jamie didn't swear so much. I think his idea is great, more people should cook. I work and still try to cook most meals.
    Posted by Anna on 07/10/2008 13:43:28
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  196. I watched ministry of food last week and wanted to let you know that my boyfriend and i cooked the meatballs for our 3 children and ourselves on the weekend. We are all a fan of swedish meatballs but had never thought about making our own. We followed your recipe and have both definately passed it on to family and friends as the meatballs were absolutely stunning. I dont believe in eating processed and at 29 im proud to say i almost always cook with fresh ingredients. keep up the good work.
    Posted by Rachel on 07/10/2008 13:29:47
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  197. It amazes me that people/mothers complain that they are living on benefit, cannot buy good plain food for their children, yet can take out a packet of cigarettes and light up on the television programme - someone should point out "priorities"
    Posted by Good Cook on 07/10/2008 11:55:34
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  198. We eat what we want because we can, it's our choice, we're human beings, and if you care so much about the children and obesity then force them to do more physical activity, not force them to eat what they don't see as being fun, after all this government is all about fun fun fun!!! Furthermore, does he think all the money that has been spent will actually help people, no it will not!!!! Why not get rid of Oliver and have Gordon Ramsay instead, he actually lives in the real world. This the voice of the people...
    Posted by Enigma on 07/10/2008 11:16:41
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  199. I live in Roterham and I would like to say the show has not shown rotherham at it's best at all. I am 24 and I can cook and all my friends and family can cook. Lets just say I dont know anyone who feeds their kids off take out junk food. The show has made people from Rotherham look stupid and really common. When I watched the show last week I changed my opinion on Jamie Oliver, I cant stand the man now. He is middle/Upper class and does not have a clue how lower class people have to live and his narrow minded insults are disgusting. I would like to see Jamie Oliver live on a hundred pound a week and pay all his bills and other costs needed for the week and then still have money left over to buy the Kind of ingredients he uses in his recipies to cook daily meals. Jamie should not come to Rotherham and try to change something he has not got a clue about. Jamie you are just a celebrity chef you can not change something that politics have an effect on. If you want to start somewhere try with the Goverment first, because if the funds are not there then what he wants to achieve is impossible.
    Posted by EYIOC on 07/10/2008 10:27:48
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  200. Yet another fantastic project from Jamie, I appauld his efforts in getting people to cook descent meals for themselves. What I don't understand is why people are more concerned with Jamies use of language, than of that of a 5 year old eating junk from a plastic tray off the floor !!!! I wanted to cry when I saw that. My own 6 year old daughter is often in the kitchen with me helping prepare a meals and she loves it. Some people do need educating that it costs more to eat takeaways every night than to cook fresh food, not only finacially but also in health costs. I lived on benefits for 3 years, albeit, 19 years ago when my son was small but never once was it a cheaper option to eat takeaways! Keep up the great work Jamie and count me in on the crusade to get britain cooking!!!
    Posted by Karen on 07/10/2008 10:13:05
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  201. Hi Jamie,a fabulous idea.I myself am a self taught cook with just a passion for good home cooked food.(if you want to know what's in it cook it yourself).I lead a busy life style a mother of two teens a carer and wife to my husband.I too am on benefits,I run our family home,cook all the family meals and also volunteer for the south wales ambulance Service as a First Responder. So I have little time and money but family meals, eating around a dinner table together and eating good home-cooked food take priority, something i feel that my generation lack enthusiasm for and make far too many excuses about. Food doesnt have to be expensive there are short cuts as long as it is fresh and cooked by your own hands,where else will you find the sense of pride and self acheivement when your family sit down and thoroughly yummy up the meal you have just cooked yourself over a plastic takeaway.I hear on your programme how some people say that they cant afford to pass the recipies on, this neednt be that expensive, swap it for a night out with friends. instead all chip in with the cost of the food and maybe some wine, invite them all around to help with the cooking and setting the table, all dress up and make a night of it.simple and job done!Far cheaper and much more satisfing than having a night out at the pub.You could even go so far as to have some prepare a starter, some the main course and some do some sort of dessert, further down the line, the possibilities are endless. my generation need to stop making excuses stop relying on the local takeaway pull their fingers and their knives out and start a new relationship with food!learning to cook is all about trial and error what you dont like about the meal the first time you substitute for what you do like the next time and so on until you make it the way you and your family love it. cooking a meal is like an artist sitting at an easel its a creation, a work of art, something to be enjoyed and remembered by all. good luck and happy cooking/eating Britain.
    Posted by Jacqui Stephens on 07/10/2008 10:12:26
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  202. A long over due comment to say i personally think you are doing the country a favour and i KNOW there must be 100s of thousands of people who think the same The Government could do a bit more too thank you Glyn Evans
    Posted by Glyn on 06/10/2008 12:34:08
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  203. Jamie Oliver's innovative approach to culinary issues is commendable and, undoubtedly, he is a popular figure with readers and viewers alike. But why is he attempting to emulate the obnoxious Gordon Ramsey by resorting to the use of unnecessary foul language? He does not need to do this to make his point and is setting a bad example to our young people.
    Posted by Terry Bayford on 06/10/2008 12:08:38
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  204. I learnt how to make pancakes off this show tanite, have to go to shops tamoz and get some flour n eggs. Want to give the meatballs a try too. Good idea for a show Jamie.
    Posted by Ted on 06/10/2008 03:27:47
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  205. Hi Jamie! Very content with what your trying to achieve in England with healthy eating. I struggle everyday battling with the concept of how many people my age haven't a clue about eating-i worry 4 the next generations to come. Like you mention in your series, food knowledge is usually passed on by parents with children and in Italy it's something we pride a lot. Being Italian born in England i have never had a problem with healthy eating at home but i struggle 2 get anything decent outside the house unless you pay a lot 4 it. Why are the working class in England poor when it comes to food and feel they need money in order to have a decent diet? if you go to any other working class environments around the world they usually have the best of diets and understand that food is the heart of life and the family. I believe in what your doing in the UK and it's about time someone did it, shame it had to be you and not the bloody government Anyway writing to you because I believe in your work and offer my help if you wish it. Good Luck x
    Posted by Livia on 06/10/2008 01:15:33
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  206. Hi Jamie! Very content with what your trying to achieve in England with healthy eating. I struggle everyday battling with the concept of how many people my age haven't a clue about eating-i worry 4 the next generations to come. Like you mention in your series, food knowledge is usually passed on by parents with children and in Italy it's something we pride a lot. Being Italian born in England i have never had a problem with healthy eating at home but i struggle 2 get anything decent outside the house unless you pay a lot 4 it. Why are the working class in England poor when it comes to food and feel they need money in order to have a decent diet? if you go to any other working class environments around the world they usually have the best of diets and understand that food is the heart of life and the family. I believe in what your doing in the UK and it's about time someone did it, shame it had to be you and not the bloody government Anyway writing to you because I believe in your work and offer my help if you wish it. Good Luck x
    Posted by Livia on 06/10/2008 01:13:37
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  207. I have just watched your programme,it is a fantastic idea. I am fortunate that my mother taught me to cook and in turn both my adult sons cook. Most of the people featured in your first programme are on very limited budgets and yet they can buy takeaways. I lived on a very small budget for many years but always managed to feed my family balanced meals. Mince was probably our staple meat and I could produce at least 10 recipes, cheaply, using it.Takeaways were too expensive for my family; even now I view fish and chip as a treat. Keep up the good work...but please cut the swearing down!!!!
    Posted by stephanie on 05/10/2008 23:24:39
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  208. Just watched MOF for the second time, and I refuse to believe that money is an issue when it comes to cooking with fresh ingredients! I was once a mother on benefits, and i managed perfectly well to feed my kids decent food....I am happy to admit that the veg was, more often that not, frozen, but at least they ate it. Okay, you are never going to be able to afford the best ingredients, but minced beef and fresh chickens don't cost the earth. My son (8) enjoys nothing more that a nice gravy dinner with brocolli, cauliflower and peas!!! thats 3 of his 5 a day in one meal!!!! He is aware of the importance of eating healthily, and is so so proud of him when he knows he has had 5 a day!!! Got to admit - i'm over weight, I barely get 3 portions of fruit and veg a week.....there are so many foods I havent even tried, but this is because my mum never liked veg when I was growing up, and never made me eat it...I DO NOT WANT MY KIDS GROWING UP WITH MY POOR EATING HABITS!!!!
    Posted by kelly on 05/10/2008 23:21:02
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  209. I think it is fantastic what Jamie is trying to accomplish, how do I get involved?
    Posted by Carol Thompson on 05/10/2008 23:18:39
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  210. Congratulations on a brave iniative. Having worked in some of the areas of Rotherham Jamie is visiting I know how difficult it is to engage and enthuse vulnerable people. Instilling confidence and introducing new skills is a real challenge, changing lifestyles is generational and not a quick fix. However I am sure that some of the new skills will stay with peole and very gradually there will be changes in lifestyle resulting from Jamie's programme. Don't give up. Can I suggest that Mrs Critchlow is offered some lead responsibility in the programme which will channel her energies and ideas into the heart of the project. She is an asset but needs to be more involved. Perhaps she could introduce one or two of her favourite budget recipes. Also bringing in the children and getting them involved in shopping and food preparation would help embed the new ways into the everyday lives of the families. Good luck and I shall watch with great interest Ann
    Posted by Ann on 05/10/2008 23:17:27
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  211. to meany people are eating fast food . it dosent help when they dont get mutch money. coking is inportant to me i love cooking i have a pasion for it i trained to be a chef but carnt find a job because its to hard to get a job in a restraunt round hear . if we all lern how to cook then we will all be helthey and liv longer lifes.......
    Posted by john on 05/10/2008 23:08:13
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  212. The programme idea is brilliant - I love the 'tell two people' concept and the idea of using school kitchens. Only one question, though - why not concentrate on really cheap, quick recipes? Things people can cook in quantity and freeze in batches? Then the 'not enough money' and 'not enough time' objections wouldn't hold up. Bean and sausage casserole. Macaroni cheese. Baked potato. Simple quasi-bolognese sauce you can have with the baked potato, or in shepherd's pie, or over pasta. Oh wait... just looked through the comments... what Nicola said already. :)
    Posted by Hilary on 05/10/2008 21:10:32
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  213. I took part in this programme and so did some of my friends and their parents, as far as I know many of us regret it. Jamie and channel 4 have presented Rotherham as a disgusting place full of stupid and poor people. It is obvious that the people that were mainly involved in the show were chosen on purpose,. I feel that we all deserve an apology. Those who loved the show obviously don't live in Rotherham or nearby, just think how you would feel if it was your town and your friends and family. I am dreading the night that the episode that me and my friends are in shows. Watching last weeks show, I found Jamie to be patronising, rude and closed minded. Please no more campaigns from Jamie, just shut up!
    Posted by hana on 05/10/2008 20:18:07
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  214. I took part in this programme and so did some of my friends and their parents, as far as I know many of us regret it. Jamie and channel 4 have presented Rotherham as a disgusting place full of stupid and poor people. It is obvious that the people that were mainly involved in the show were chosen on purpose,. I feel that we all deserve an apology. Those who loved the show obviously don't live in Rotherham or nearby, just think how you would feel if it was your town and your friends and family. I am dreading the night that the episode that me and my friends are in shows. Watching last weeks show, I found Jamie to be patronising, rude and closed minded. Please no more campaigns from Jamie, just shut up!
    Posted by hana on 05/10/2008 20:16:14
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  215. The program did not set out to fairly represent Rotherham, it is purely to teach people how to cook!! I think it is a shame that Jamie who is working hard to make a difference is being abused in such a way. Where ever this was filmed locals would be upset, but perhaps they should be more concerned with a 5 year old girl who has only ever eaten takeaways and her teeth are falling out!! It is a real shame that there are people eating like this, but it is only with education, like Jamie is trying to provide that this will get better. I'd love to have a top chef come in and teach us how to cook!! Well done Mr Oliver
    Posted by Silversurfer1979 on 05/10/2008 17:02:42
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  216. Whilst I applaud any attempts to improve cooking skills in this country there are several things that annoyed me about the program. Has anyone bothered to cost out the meatball recipe? Assuming that you had none of the ingredients in the house the total cost of reproducing that recipe is actually higher than the £10 Tasha spends on takeaway. That is without factoring in fuel costs for cooking, and the bus fare to the supermarket. Did noone think to find out what she can really afford to spend on food each week and make the recipes fit the budget. Fresh herbs and balsamic vinegar are luxury ingredients.
    Posted by Stella on 05/10/2008 14:15:18
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  217. hi jamie,iloved your program for the last 5 years ive been teaching children in the school i work at to grow their own food and then cook it.Any we can't cook we take to the main kitchen and it apears in the school dinners.I have been suprised at how many children didn't know what a strawberry plant,cbbage or sweetcorn looked like.Iam now hoping to teach two parents at the school as the dept head thinks it a good idea. I would love to do more but its hard to get backing as if your not famous your just ignored.keep up the good work and don't give up.
    Posted by tracy on 04/10/2008 17:22:08
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  218. I loved the show and was quite shocked actually at how clueless some people were with even basic cooking, terms, preparation etc. (no offence intended). I was lucky in that my gran was a great cook and I think I got the interest from her. Although my mum wasn't such a fan, we always had good home cooked meals and she always encouraged me when I wanted to try out new things in the kitchen. I know not everyone's as lucky. I now have 3 boys 12,10 & 7 and I have tried teaching them from an early age what's good to eat and they help me from time to time in the kitchen.We always have a cooked healthy meal in the evening when my husband gets in from work. We live in South Wales and whether it's something in our area or what, I do not know but my youngest 2 have curriculum enrichment lessons on a Friday afternoon and they have a choice of life skill topics to choose from each term. It can range from sports to gardening,managing money for older juniors and what my kids picked - fun with food. Obviously due to space, class numbers and ages etc, they are not actually cooking but they've started on things such as pasta salad, fruit salad,crispy cakes. It's got them interested in food and they are now coming home asking if they can help cook. I taped the show for us to watch as a family and although I would prefer they didn't have the swearing, it's something they hear in the yard on a daily basis and we just tell them that they are not to use it. I don't see why other schools can't do the same as our area is not a wealthy area and they are not required to provide any of the ingredients so it wouldn't exclude anyone. What we do have is a strong community spirit and I think that definitely helps - we have other projects that people from the community give up their time for such as vegetable, salad or fruit bags that you can pay a little bit less for than the supermarket as it's fresh local produce so is supporting local business and encouraging people to eat healthier. The produce lasts much longer than what it would if you bought it from a supermarket and sometimes I was having to think up new recipes because you'd have things in your bag that you might not use on a regualr basis. Projects like these all help support the sort of thing that Jamie is doing and we're all joining in following the recipes and teaching it to our kids. We've bought ingredients to make pancakes with the boys this afternoon. Well done Jamie.
    Posted by Nicola on 04/10/2008 12:39:18
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  219. I teach people how to cook (adult ed/ secondary) - this programme nearly made me cry, thinking about the children who have never had a meal cooked by their parents. Is this where we are in Britain today? I might not be Jamie Oliver, but I'm teaching 7 people how to cook - and I'm hoping for the same thing, people passing on the skills and recipes to others. If you like, get in touch and we can swap notes!
    Posted by Anne Day on 03/10/2008 21:27:28
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  220. I've just watched the first episode....I work & have 1 teenager...i couldn't afford a takeaway 4/5 times a week, once would be too much, financially, how on earth do they do it on benefits???? I have a takeaway once in a while 'as a treat' not as an everyday meal........i'm gob smacked at how people eat......LIDL.ALDI...Both cheap & both have excellent food...any type of ingredients.its down to people being bothered to try & do something different.. try lancashire next tine Jamie..
    Posted by sue on 03/10/2008 20:48:12
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  221. Well done Jamie, and good luck to Rotherham, I hope they do enjoy cooking good honest food. I learned to cook as a young girl, first Sunday roast at 12 and first Christmas Lunch, with ALL the trimmings at 14. But it was me, my brother and my Dad at home.Someone had to do it. Neighbours, friends and school taught me how. But the main thing was I enjoyed cooking, and wasn't afraid of it. But I didn't have to live up to the incredibly high standards of the celebrity chefs we are bombarded with on the telly. Well done Jamie, for bringing food back down to earth, making it accessible again. I welcome any new ideas, especially now we are all tightening our belts. Looking forward to seeing the rest of the series. BUT,although the language, doesn't bother me, I had to turn you off when the kids wanted to watch too. (sky ed you). Though I can understand your need to vent. Can we have a pre-watershed version,we need to inspire the younger people learn to cook too.
    Posted by moonfruit on 03/10/2008 19:22:24
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  222. I am disgusted at the way jamie oliver has protrayed Rotherham and the people of Rotherham.The show has shown people on low incomes and benefits eating 5 takeaway meals a week which will probally cost about £50 a week to family of 4.These people who are on benefits probally have more time than anyone to prepare meals and cook them.The people who have been picked for show are just lazy idle people.Rotherham has always been a working class town with people who are very hard working people,so why has programme picked a very small ammount of people who will never get a job,because they are to idle to get off there backsides.I know it is cheaper to feed a family of 4 for less than it costs a takeaway for 4.I work and earn a decent wage, but i do not spend £200 plus a month on takeaways.Jamie Oliver ought to look at some real Rotherham folk,the ones like the pensioners who are the meat,potatoes and 2 veg people,they cope on there pension so why cannot the minority of idle people who are on your show.The show showed Rotherham as a depressed rundown place to live,which is not true.There are some lovely areas of Rotherham that wouuld rival any london or south of england suburb.The programme ought to show the real people of rotherham,the ones who broke there backs in the coal mines and steel industry to keep this country running for over 100 years,see what they eat,instead of a bunch of layabouts to which half of do not live in Rotherham.This programme has incensed the true people of Rotherham,there is 4 full pages of complaints in the local weekly paper about this programme.I suggest Jamie Oliver ought to practice what he preaches ie only a few years ago he was selling a book which contained a recipe for fish finger butty with tomato ketchup.Paul
    Posted by Paul Turner on 03/10/2008 15:19:53
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  223. I applaud Jamie for trying to encourage people to eat and cook heathily (I really can't believe that someone can't boil water!!) I have always enjoyed watching his programes as they are down to earth and not fancy but I will not be watching any more of this series, the english language is wide and varied and it is not necessary to use swear words to describe his anger please Jamie leave that to the likes of Gordon Ramsey
    Posted by denise on 03/10/2008 11:10:52
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  224. interesting programme-would it help the mum with little money to afford food to give up SMOKING??????? then she would have so much money left each month. i work with young parents so i,m not speaking from lack of experience!!!!!!!
    Posted by louise on 03/10/2008 09:47:53
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  225. It is so good to watch someone who is so passionate about food and has peoples best interests at heart when trying to change their eating habits. I have to say it was Jamie Oliver who got me to change the eating habits of my children once I saw that programme he did some time ago showing what really goes into chicken nuggets. Since that day I have never bought a frozen pack of nuggets from the supermarket ..... I make my own from fresh chicken,and they love them! I think the food manufacuters are at fault because many unsuspecting mothers think the food is ok, the nuggets used to look like they were lovely breast meat, but how wrong was I. I have been a single working mum for 4yrs and during that time I have constantly looked at how I can improve what we eat as a family by going to the butchers for fresh meat,buying fresh ingredients and looking for new recipes that we will all eat, which can be a problem when one of your children is a fussy eater, but I keep pushing and trying new things! There is no excuse, making things from scratch will nearly always cost less than ready meals or take aways, and its about planning, if you have some ingredients left you can always use it in another dish that week to make sure youre not throwing food away!! I did home economics at school and its such a shame they don't do it at many schools now as I know my children like nothing more than helping to bake or cook a dish including my son who is 13. I would love to be involved locally helping other people improve their eating habits. Even though I feel I can turn out a good 3 course meal when I am entertaining friends I know I still have so much to learn!! Keep up the good work! p.s bought Ministry of Food book today, ... still looking for new ideas.
    Posted by jane on 02/10/2008 18:57:01
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  226. I watched your first show and thought that the idea had potential. As for some of the excuses for not passing on the recipes are lame. Firstly for those with no time, what are they doing on a Fri/Sat night (down the pub maybe??)or Sunday afternoon. Turn it into a dinner party. Ask round your friends, they can bring the drinks while you provide the meal, teaching them at the same time. I know money can be tight when on benfits but why not ask each friend to bring certain ingredients, that way the cost is not just on the person teaching them the dish. There are always simple answers to peoples excuses. Good Luck Jamie
    Posted by Mandy Ellison on 02/10/2008 14:16:35
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  227. I watched the first program it should be renamed MINISTRY OF CHAVS.Please don't tell me that these people represent a coss section of US UP NORTH.A woman (on benefits) cant afford a meal but opens a packet of fags takes a puff then throws it away, Jamie your better than this.
    Posted by GEEBEE on 02/10/2008 13:59:16
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  228. I'm sorry but I don't believe money is the reason for lack of cookery skills or the types of food we eat. It's lifestyle, people can't be bothered to eat well cause there are easier options out there like convenience food. There are alot of foods which are quite expensive but there are also lots of cheaper options, tinned and froozen fruit and veg great, easy to store, easy to cook/ prepare. With my friends we have our own cookery club, where once a month we go to one anothers houses and cook a meal from a different country, it's great fun and we have all got some great recipes from it, we use new ingrediants and it's cheaper than going out for dinner. I think Jamie is doing great things for this countries eating habits but people have got to wake up and realise they need to take responsibility for there own lives instead of blaming the government for not telling them. For hundreds of years now people have grown food and cooked for themselves and suddenly in the last 60-70 years people have got lazy and started blaming others. Take responsibilty for your own life and get on with it, if you can't cook then learn, experiment, start with jacket potatoes, salads, stir fry's, pasta, etc, look at recipes on packets of ingredients for free ideas, look online, or for christmas why not ask for cookery books, magazine all have great ideas in them. Food is such a social thing, and when going out is so expensive, why not stay in cook a meal and have a few glass's of wine!
    Posted by lisa on 02/10/2008 10:32:32
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  229. An excellent programme very much spoiled by the overuse of the f word. This is unnecessary and does not add any value. People coming into my house don't swear and I no longer watch Ramsey for this reason.
    Posted by Delta Lima on 02/10/2008 08:59:28
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  230. jamie i thort yor show verry good i love to cook and i would like t take part on your programme
    Posted by claire shepherd on 02/10/2008 08:38:23
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  231. I am a working single parent with two young boys and I really do beleive in healthy eating and try my best but like with everything time, motivation, energy and money DO get in the way. In reality many of us can't cook meals like those featured in your program everynight, how ever much I wish we could. What you are doing is great and the recipes are brill, but you need to be realistic and give people better options than they currently have for all thoses other times. My boys love pasta and frozen mixed veg (all cooked in one pan) with cheese on top-not fancy, REALLY cheap, nothing needs fetching fresh but it is not a bad meal! If the kids want burgers or chicken nuggets (yes those evil chicken nuggets!) they often have them with new potatoes and veg-not perfect but better than with chips. If people are only given ideas which they can not manage every day they will become disheartened and give up, they need small changes they can implement every day in order to keep their interest and motivation so that whenever possible thay ARE still on board for your standard of cooking. I would love to help anyway I can, I despair of the diets some of the children around me are existing on and try my best to introduce ideas to people but it is tougher than you understand for many people and in a great deal of cases you simply will HAVE to accept a lower standard than you want to see any improvment at all x
    Posted by Rebecca on 02/10/2008 00:41:02
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  232. Fair play Jamie... Emma i don't for one minute think this is a true representation of Rotherham but at the same time these are a selection of the 300 people that actually bothered to respond to the ad in the paper and subsequently be taught by a top chef for free (arguable but hes the one with the money)... i would imagine the other 99.99% of the population either decided not to get involved as they could afford all his cooking books or they were even lazier than the ones that answered the ad! At the end of the day you have to admit that whether you're either poor or rich there is no excuses for eating the absolute rubbish they were before he turned up... money is an issue but at the end of the day the main issue is summed up by whats wrong with this country today... there are too many bone idol people. Not just up north but all over the place... I leave the house at 7am and get in at 8pm, often go out afterwards and still find time to cook. It only takes a little bit of planning and determination. Jamie keep up the good work son I wish the government would help back you with things like this as its a complete and utter joke that people have no idea how to cook!!!! Right I am going to bed angry...
    Posted by Stuart Bagshot on 02/10/2008 00:30:26
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  233. I am a single mother to 2 children under 3yrs old. i live on benefits and cannot accept that it's more affordable to feed your family take away's than to cook fresh food. I cook fresh meals once every 3 to four weeks i buy enough ingredients to cook more than we can eat in one meal and freeze the rest so that i always have a good home cooked meal for the kids. I don't smoke or drink and rarely go out but my children and I are healthy. Its a cop out to say that you can't afford fresh ingredients on benefits if i can then anybody can. cooking with your children as long as its safe is a great activity it helps teach them science and maths it teaches them to follow set steps and to be patient. All i know is that if i bought fast food everyday of the week I'd be seriously skint.
    Posted by cathni on 02/10/2008 00:24:26
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  234. Thank goodness someone has at last tackled this I would dearly like to help Jamie in any way with this task. I took a degree in Home Econimics - not cooking but not enough space to explain! I have spent the last 20 years working in advertising and training marketing communications if I can help in any way to confer my love of home cooking and passion for the shared experience of good wholesome and affordable meals I would love it if Jamie thinks he could use me happy to donate my time for free.
    Posted by Margaret on 01/10/2008 22:21:20
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  235. I understand what Jamie is trying to do and it really needs doing but as has been obsevrved by many viewers of the show last night, the people featured don't care because they are not using their own money. The only way this would work would be if the government stopped giving them money to spend how they want and only gave them food vouchers then the children might start to recieve decent meals with the help of the recipes. I just cannot understand how these people Don't know how to live like the rest of us as there seems to be plenty of programmes aimed at healthy eating etc and these people have big enough t.vsto watch it on. I don't want to slag them off I don't know them but if they honestly can't help themselves then the government should step in. The best way Jamie could help the next generation to be able to cook is to go to the Government and set up his own Compulsary cookery classes for school children starting at 5yrs old.. my children help me and are able to prepare alot of things independantly. I really think that would be Your best move Jamie.. that way you could make a difference and the kids could influence the parents. Good Luck.
    Posted by Samantha on 01/10/2008 21:42:54
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  236. Well done Jamie for a good idea and Channel 4 for putting the programme on. I love to cook and learned from my Mum about cheap, nourishing and filling food. I just think that it's a great pity that children are not taught about budgeting and other life skills in school. I lived on a low income when my children were little, but we all ate well and healthily, with lots of fresh veggies and fruit. It's a good idea to encourage people to cook for themselves, but how will they be able to carry this on if they don't know how to budget for these meals? Being shown that they can produce good food on a low income is essential for this experiment to succeed. Sorry for the critisism. I really enjoyed the programme and will look forward to watching the rest of the series.
    Posted by Annie Holden on 01/10/2008 21:02:32
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  237. I am a great fan of Jamie's and really admire his determination in getting Government to recognise the appalling quality of school food etc. He single-handedly has made such a difference but I found his new programme so difficult to watch because of the constant swearing. He is so intelligent and engaging he really does not need to sink to this level in order to communicate. I believe he thinks that it helps people relate to him and to feel that he understands their situation, but please Channel 4, if Jamie's language is truly so built-in that he cannot change, then at least you could bleep out the F words. He is grown up enough to set a good example in how to express himself properly. I really want to watch you Jamie and urge you not to stop at Ministry of Food but go on to tackle the appalling NHS food and meals on wheels and care homes etc etc. There is so much you can achieve but PLEEESE ditch the boring bad language.
    Posted by Ros Maggs on 01/10/2008 19:55:02
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  238. i could not believe how many mothers did not know how to cook even basic food, and i think Jamie is on to something with the local schools being empty on a night . I for one would nt mind giving up a few hours off my time to take a class of none cooks and teatch them the basics.
    Posted by kelly ayre on 01/10/2008 18:50:26
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  239. My thoughts on the programme were overall very positive so well done Jamie and channel 4. Anything that get people talking about improving their cooking skills and being less reliant on food that is high in fat, sugar and salt content gets my vote. For takeaways, read best value ready meals it's the same thing but different! The language was not too bad. It was a bit Sir Bob Geldof at times but that's needed sometimes to give the message weight (pardon the pun!). Plus, it was after the watershed so youngsters should be in bed. The location could have been anywhere as most big towns and cities have areas like the one shown so don't be too sensitive Rotherham, you could live in Liverpool, Manchester or Glasgow who are the usual suspects cast in this way. The problem with bad diet is not a class problem overall but it is harder if you have no money or community support. Think of how many times you throw out some of the fruit and veg you bought but never had the chance to prepare and eat, for whatever reason. You have to be able to afford to do that! It's a great and simple idea Jamie and one that me and a group of friends have been working on for some time. We would go one further and have a community shop that would have seasonal, healthy recipes (with any spices needed attached) and sell the ingredients needed to prepare them together with access to information on how to prepare and cook meals and other support and help, like the MOF in the old days It was needed then and its needed now. I don't know the people shown in the programme so I will not comment on them or their circumstances other than it takes a lot of bottle to take part in such a programme and be ridiculed and commented on by onlookers. Best wishes and good look to you all. Its meat balls for tea tonight x Peter - one of the usual supsects
    Posted by Peter on 01/10/2008 17:34:32
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  240. well done!!it was gr8t to c sum1 focussin on rotherham we are the 4gotten town. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK ,POOR JAMIE HAS ALOT TO LEARN cause WE R IN A DIFFERENT WORLD, because no1 wants to help us until now. I THINK IT'S UNFARE TO BLAME JAMIE FOR THE RUN DOWN SIGHTS THAT WAS SEEN, AT THE END OF THE DAY THIS IS NOT ABOUT HOW PEOPLE LIVE,BUT HOW PEOPLE EAT.(BUT IT IS THE REALITY N WHY SHOULDN'T IT GET SHOWN), THE PICS THAT WAS SHOWN ARE DOWN TO THE PRODUCER NOT JAMIE , we think it was a good show we will b followin the show n can't wait 4 the nxt 1.gooooooooooood luuuuuuuck !!!!!!!!!! jamie (ur guna need it)
    Posted by sarah n steve on 01/10/2008 17:21:00
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  241. very impressed with the programme and the ideals behind it,but more needs to be done re: organisation of their time and budgets.It's great idea but maybe too much too soon for some of them,trying to teach 2 other people 10 recipes is too much pressure for them and who can afford salmon on one parent benefit? Why not look at the budget of the lowest income families and then factor in the shops available and look at the prices,then work out a simple seven day menu plan and work from there,say porridge/cereal toast/pancakes for breakfast,homemade soup for lunch and then the evening meal.Make it very simple to start with and work up slowly,take baby steps and let their confidence build.Instead of getting them to teach 2 people 10 recipes ask them to teach 1 person 5 recipes,it's much more workable on a budget and not such a high mountain to climb.It's about budget,time management and community building too.
    Posted by Morticia on 01/10/2008 17:12:01
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  242. i can not believe the stereotypical onesidedness that this programme has portrayed, i have lived in rotherham all my life and although we were not wealthy we have always had balanced meals sat at the dinner table which i continue to do with my children. the video clips of the area all came from a small area of the borough (and some from the industrial areas of sheffield!)that are unfortunately still quite run down, but by no means are they a full reflection of the town. it is very saddening that programme makers would stoop to such levels of shock tactic to "sell" a programme. shame on Jamie Oliver for allowing it.
    Posted by amanda chambers on 01/10/2008 17:02:42
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  243. I watched this and after about ten minutes found myself getting angrier and angrier, not at Jamie , the man is a saint for putting his time into this but at the fact that that clearly at the route of all this is education, The people featured do exist in their thousands so it is unfair to moan at the programme for the portrayal of the area. I am a housewife now with two children , I was single mum for 5 years so more than used to coping on a tiny budget with two toddlers to feed, actually it has never left me and despite the credit crunch it is rubbish to say they cannot afford it. WE have a take-out literally once in a blue moon and have to say more often than not wish we had not bothered as it is usually greasy and so salty but then the difference is I cook practically everything from scratch. I doubt if I ever go over £10 as the people featured spend on junk take-out. Ultimatly the government is to blame, like so many have said when I was at school 30 years ago we did learn to cook, the teacher was a battle axe but my did you listen to her, the results speak for themselves. it sickens me that my 17 and 19 year olds have learnt virtually nothing in the way of cooking at school, well unless you count fruit salad and egg mayonaise sandwiches, not roast dinners, stews etc as I was taught, so it is up to me now to make sure they do not go into the world unable to cook when it should be the done in schools.The givernment needs to provide proper cooking classes in schools and for those thosands who got through the net and are now adults and cannot literally boil an egg.IF NOT the effect its going to have is blindingly obvious.
    Posted by ali, bfg forces on 01/10/2008 16:58:42
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  244. Hi Jamie, My wife and i think your programme is amazing and we agree with your principles of educating the take-away society however we would love to show the programme to our 13 and 12 year old daughters but we feel the language is a little unecessary ! Would you consider bleeping out the f word and put it out at 8 o,clock instead as i think you could get a greater response from children as well as the parents. Paul
    Posted by Paul on 01/10/2008 16:00:43
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  245. I think Jamie has done fantastic work with the School Dinners series and now this one. Sod a knighthood, he is on the way to sainthood. St. Jamie of Kebab, perhaps! However, I am also concerned. I'm concerned that most of what I have heard about last night's programme focussed on the language rather than the substance. It seems a real shame that people's attention is drawn not to the fact that a growing number of people are eating nothing but junk, will be obese, and will have the attendant health problems, but to Jamie's naughty words. On the other hand, Jamie has to ensure that his message is getting across. If the four-letter words are getting in the way of that, he should tone it down. It would be a travesty if he poured time, effort and imagination into this programme, for it to fail because people don't like swear words.
    Posted by Neil Jarrett on 01/10/2008 14:35:09
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  246. It broke my heart watching that little girl eat that shaved "meat" and a pound of cheese dumped on top of re-fried chips from a tray. I'm from the same background and around the same age as those girls featured on that programme but I wouldn't dream of feeding my children rubbish like that! Also, I can't believe people are blaming time. Why don't they have time? I have a job, 2 children and I cook. It just boils down to people being bone idle. Get a grip!
    Posted by S Sewell on 01/10/2008 14:09:53
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  247. How Can I help? I thought the programme was inspiring and can see this is a big challenge trying to get Britain cooking. One of the biggest mistakes made by the Government was removing Cookery lessons from the Schools curicculum. Having been taught to cook in School and by my Mother, I then went on to teach my 4 grown up children to cook. I would love to help Jamie in his campaign. There needs to be something running in every town/city across Britain in order for this to work and if Jamie has plans to instigate something like that, please let me know as I would love to take part.
    Posted by Kay Rottier on 01/10/2008 13:08:43
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  248. I enjoyed the programme and think the idea is good but to me it just highlighted what is wrong with society - a single mum on benefits who feeds her kids takeaways because she cant afford to cook fresh meals(i would like to know where all these people get takeaways from that are cheaper than cooking from fresh)!! She can however afford a widescreen tv, an 8 burner cooker and was seen puffing away on cigarrettes all through the show! Unfortunately I think it will never be possible to change the priorities and attitudes of some people.
    Posted by Laura on 01/10/2008 12:52:18
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  249. Hi, I watched last nights episode with delight. I am a school nurse, and anything that gets people to eat healthily and address obesity is great with me. I am organising interventions for the school year in relation to healthy eating for a large upper school with nearly 2000 pupils in Loughborough leicestershire. I like what Jamie said abouy school cookery facilities being unused after 4pm and would be very interesting in developing this idea. I also would like to get teenagers cooking for each other,with a link to healthy alternative things a couple can do together. Would you be able to support/ assist /advise me in regard to a programme geared to learing to cook a meal for or together with your partner ready for valentines day - aimed at teens and their parents? Thanks, and look forward to hearing back from you, Andrea
    Posted by andrea on 01/10/2008 12:12:17
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  250. The portrayal of Rotherham and the people they chose was NOT a true reflection of our town. They picked the most lowest class people and areas, Jamie made a point of showing derelict buildings and down trodden areas. Both myself and many of my family and work colleagues are absolutely disgusted with the first programme and will now be switching off !! The girl who was on benefits and had to sell her jewellery who supposedly couldnt cook, why and how diid she install an top of the range 8 burner oven range ?? I have received so many phone calls this morning and last night from angry friends regarding this programme, having been a big fan of Jamies and purchasing every book he has brought out I now have a total different view of him and like many others feel extremely let down. I do hope my comments get published as I am sure other readers agree
    Posted by Emma White on 01/10/2008 11:35:59
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  251. WHY does he spoil it with foul language !!!!
    Posted by G.Finlayson on 01/10/2008 11:35:30
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  252. Absolutely loved the programme it was very entertaining and Jamie as usual was very funny, down to earth and not at all patronising........ however could not find an ounce of sympathy or empathy for those pooor people on benefits that are just tooo pooor to cook a decent meal but can afford take aways, ciggies, a fridge full of sweets and the latest flat screen tv's....... We are a family who work for a living but conversley are too poor for take aways and flat screen tv's.. I cook from scratch all the time we might be hard up but I dont make my family ill by feeding them crap! Priorities, that's what it all comes down to and most of these poor single mums on benefits have got their's all wrong, they might only have a small amount of money for food but then again so do we and we work for ours! we spend our money wisely because we appreciate it more because we've had to go out and earn it.... I did my stint as a single parent for twelve years too and I worked throughout and cooked decent food and ate it sitting at the table not on the floor like a dog!! Anyway Jamie good luck with the programme but I really feel you're wasting your time, what they need is a job which will give them some self esteem which in turn will motivate them to want better for their families, but why will they do that when they get money for sitting on their backsides all day........
    Posted by The Happy Cook on 01/10/2008 10:59:11
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  253. Hi am 47 and thought last nights program was great. I was taught to cook by my mum but i still need to learn your never to old to learn. Myself and partner both work we have two sons age 18 and 12 what i found disturbing was how can people afford so many take a ways.If we have a take a way its a treat .
    Posted by lynn on 01/10/2008 10:56:21
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  254. Fiona-you are not the only one willing to pass on your cooking skills to others. However you need to have the relevant NVQ before passing wind these days (unless you are Chancellor or PM when having a degree in history will do!) You will need to have your character checked etc before being able to go into other peoples homes. You will need to gain certificates confirming you can fry an egg. You will need to advise your insurers of the risks etc. This government has created 1000s of jobs which exist to make it more difficult for volunteers (eg WI baking cakes needing expensive insurance). Many jobs depend on people being dependant on the state. The majority of those workers see little point in helping anyone to become self-sufficient. One way forward would be for anyone who applies for a council flat etc to have to demonstrate they can do basic cooking. If they cannot the coucil should use volunteers like yourself to teach them. However I am expecting to see a flying pig first!
    Posted by Derek on 01/10/2008 10:43:49
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  255. This show is great ! I am only 27 and none of my freinds cook like me. I was taught by my nan, everything from cakes, pastries, pies to beef stew and dumplings, cottage pie and even meatballs ! My other half doesnt like fish so I dont cook much of that unless he is working late, then me and the kids have fish. I plan my meals and then take my shopping list from that ( I got this from money spinners on bbc one years ago) I dont spend more than fifty pounds a week on four of us and packed luches everyday. when I am working full time I spend my day off filling up the freezer with home cooked food. My other half loves it because he was brought up on egg and chips, fish fingers and faggotts. I am no saint when it comes to my housework as I prefer to spend my spare time in my kitchen. I have to prepare meals and freeze them because when I work late the othewr half hasnt got a clue. I was frustrated last night about the people saying about money and time as I have just said you can make time and as some one said in a previous post about ciggies and everything other thing we spend our money on. I smoke but I go with out to make sure my kids eat well. My bugdet goes as follows rent, ctax, food shopping,Gas, Electric, water, ntl and then clothes mobiles and so on. I was in debt years ago due to my partner being slef employed with no work but I went to a debt councelling service. I know cooking is taught in schools, but I think budgeting and life skills should be taught too. I do like french etc being taught in schools but I have never used it since I left over ten years ago perhaps we should start teaching kids about british life first before we worry about what other countries speak ! Well done jamie !!!! keep up the good work !!!
    Posted by Michelle on 01/10/2008 10:21:17
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  256. whilst i commend the goels of the programme i cant help but fell quite angered by it. The concept of gettin people to pass down 2 another 2 people and so on until 250,000 people in rotherham can cook. the prog showed what is bad about society today......bone idleness and an expectance to be bailed out. The only folk it concentrated on was people on benefits!!! they didnt seem bothered about working and as soon as jamie and the crew was gone, the takeaways were back, poverty was blamed just as she sparked up......priceless.......good food aint gonna help these out, a lifestyle change and the view on society is
    Posted by john on 01/10/2008 10:15:26
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  257. Jamie, After watching last nights show, I just had to write to you. I think what you are trying to do by teaching people to cook and eat healthily is a great idea, but you may have tackled it differently if you had 'put youself in their shoes' first. Clearly, a few of the people featured in the programme were coping with poverty, debt,and self worth issues, either through lack of experience, education or simply no money. A few years ago, Michael Portillo 'lived' with a family who were probably better off than some of yours featured in the programme,and he came away from that experience with a greater knowledge of what families are up against. I look forward to watching the programme develop, and perhaps your efforts are successful, but I can't help wondering if maybe the pre-teens are the target group for educating.
    Posted by Maryanne on 01/10/2008 09:16:25
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  258. watched the first programme last night.This is something that should have come up years ago.Home cooked food is by far cheaper than ready meals.Imyself do cook well and budget using fresh produce . Iwould be interested to help out in my area to educate young families on abudget.How do I co about it
    Posted by fiona on 01/10/2008 08:21:24
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  259. I have 5 children so therefore I cook for 7 people every night! I also make 6 pack lunches a day!I love salmon but it is now too expensive to buy!! As is all fish and meat!!I can make 800gm of mince into a chilli, spaghetti bolognaise and a cottage pie!! Bulk it out with veggies and chopped tomatoes!!!! Make your own corned beef pies. Plain flour for pastry, cook potatoes with onion, then mash and add corned beef!
    Posted by Elizabeth Dempsey on 30/09/2008 23:45:53
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  260. First off, hats off to Jamie for trying to elevate the well being of his fellow human beings! But, (and I can't imagine that I'm the only person who sees the white elephant in this room) despite our frustration, we have to accept that there are those in this world who simply can't be bothered. I just viewed an episode of Jamie's MOF, and watched a grown woman break down in tears because finances were just soooo tough that she found it near impossible to feed her family healthily. And, then others go on to their tales of woe regarding time...no time to pass on Jamie's recipes...to pass on his enthusiasm, which after all is the only thing that really needs to be passed along. Enthused people will seek out change, betterment, grace, style, and yes...good food. I really must protest in that we the television viewers of today more and more often seem to be confronted by poor folks who just can't seem to muster the resources to do "the right thing". Conversly, money and the willingness to go to great lengths seem to be in good supply when it comes to cigarettes, alcohol, a night at the pub, television subscriptions, football gear, etc. etc., and the list goes on. One could argue that yes, many of the people featured on Jamie's MOF (and indeed many other similarly formatted programs) could afford to spend their resources (time and money) more wisely, but it is perhaps that they are depressed and lack the self esteem in the first place, and to give them a boost be it via cooking classes, or whatever, may just be the emotional boost they need to begin to soar... but I truly believe that the whole problem is really not about money, self esteem, or any other excuse... but rather it is just a blatant example of the selfishness and inability to take real responsibility that seems to be crippling England, as well as other countries around the world. Only a few generations ago people thought and reacted to those around them in a completely different way than we are tending to do now...I think it is a symptom of a deeper and more dangerous sickness that has bred anger, apathy, and hopelessness into our society. One only needs to look at the big picture of society on the whole to see that there is something fundamentaly going wrong here. Again, my hat is off to Jamie for trying to do something. As a fellow chef, I find him to be charming and inspirational...unfortunately I don't see this project bearing much fruit. I'm not saying stop, but perhaps it is time to go back to the drawing board and look to root out some of the causes of these social problems...this MOF program feels more like a plaster on a hemmorageing wound. I can only assume that Jamie is sincere in finding solutions, and that he works on solutions that play to his strengths (cooking, celebrity), but he may have to step out of his comfort zone if real change is to occur. As for the poor disenfranchised individuals featured on the show, they only have one choice to make...ignore it and it will go away and life will continue in the same rut, or stand up, make personal SACRIFICES, and decide what the truly important things in your life are. Carefully planning your resources is something that any individual should be proud of, but instead we've put too much emphasis on having the things we want at the moment, and keeping up with the status quo. Money in the bank, and surviving without "stuff" but rather with pride are good things. If a person puts the pub and tobacco (etc.) before a healthy meal on your child's plate, then at least be honest enough to admit that it's nobody's fault but your own. I would confidently challenge any person saying that they do not have the MEANS to take care of their family to allow me into their home for a few days...where I am certain I could find the MEANS. With very very few exceptions, most of the whinging really is a royal load of garbage. Yet, alas this is entertainment(??) Jamie, keep up the good fight...you have my respect.
    Posted by Matteo Watkins on 30/09/2008 23:44:44
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  261. Wow! I think the Ministry of Food idea is excellent. I am a "Pampered Chef" so know from experience that there is no better way to get people both inspired and confident to handle food than to demo with them and get them involved in cooking it while you are there to answer questions and show them all of the stages. (Pictures in a cook book just don't cut it - particularly if you can't afford a cook book to begin with or don't know which one to buy) I'm sure this whole "not being able to cook thing" is all about confidence. Cooking is basically "bucket and spade" chemistry. It's fine once you know the basic rules, but can be quite mystifying if you don't. I know I am biased as I have always been into cooking from being a child (a lot of family members are very good cooks so I had lots of insiration as a kid) but I just can't see how it could be cheaper to use ready meals (which are so expensive for what they are - usually overly processed cardboard) than cook a proper nutritious meal. Surely it's just a case of knowing what to do with the cheaper ingredients (which are often tastier anyway)and how to stretch things out. However, I'm not sure that Salmon was such a good one as a starter recipe as it is fairly expensive particularly if you're on benefits and worried about money. I can't wait to see what the next 8 recipes are though. I guess another problem is going to be time. I've known some people who come to my Pampered Chef shows say they tried one of my recipes that I know takes about 10 minutes to prep and it's taken them half an hour - just because they're not confident to handle the food or follow the recipe or don't have the right equipment (although I can at least help them with that!). I always encourage them to do it again and see that the next time it takes half the time because they know what they are doing. However, I can see that some people who are promised a "10 minute food wonder" will get put off at the first try if it takes more than 10 minutes. No matter how I look at this it still seems to come down to education - whether that be at school or at home. Cooking is no different to any other life skill - you've got to learn it and it takes practice. Frankly, I think it's a doubly difficult task if the people you want to convert are expecting your recipes to take as long as it takes to cook a ready meal. Surely part of food education should be about respecting ingredients and understanding how a little extra time and care can make a much better, tastier and more nutritious meal. Jamie, as ever, seems to have his work cut out for him, but I have enormous respect for him to champion this! Somebody has to as the governments of the past 25 years have paid no attention to teaching kids how to cook so we now have a generation of adults who had no formal food education. I feel inspired by Jamie's energy and passion about this and whilst I'm sure some will think he's interferring, condescending and has no idea about the lives of the people he is trying to inspire I still think he's a very brave man and I wish him all the best - I only wish I could help!
    Posted by Vikki Schwebel on 30/09/2008 22:55:48
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  262. I feel a little sad at tonight's programme because it makes ALL Northerners look like people who survive on take aways alone. The majority of people I know really "cook"; I learnt the basics from my Mother and I have taken this start and progressed both from experience and recipe books (some of which are yours). For example, you can cook two fantastic meals cooked from a ham hock bought for £1.65 - a beautiful lentil and ham soup mad from the first boil and a braised ham with red wine sauce or cidar and pearl barley from the end product. Please don't look to only feature the extreme elements of the North as this will alienate those who see this as a continued North/South divide. I appreciate there maybe MORE Northerner's who have an unhealthy diet but having lived for a small time and still travel to London on business to work on a regular basis, this is an unfair reflection on Northern society as a whole -WE EAT WELL. I would love an opportunity to help you with you bid to make the North healthy and more food concious and having passed some of my " no nonsense anyone can cook recipes" onto friends and work colleagues I really feel I can help with this quest. Having watched all of your cookery programmeS this is the one that makes me feel the most fired to put my feeling about my love of food "and the North" in writing. I would love more poeple to buy fresh meat, fish, fruit and veg not only because it's healthy but also because a decent dinner makes people happier and give a focal point to any family. Please don't give up on the North...WE DO COOK!!
    Posted by Tracey Grogan on 30/09/2008 22:45:40
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  263. Luv it luv it But u need to nik a tip from dehlia re stuff to save time 4 folk n time is money!Im a mum working & frompt north TRA LA!So I nows. Love 2 cook but also hate it if time and £ is short. It's a fab idea in theory ur a brave man, we the people love you but tonight u came across a bit holyier than thou (soz luv)I no it's all editing but normally u make it look such a joy 2 do (cooking that is) it seemed a bit of a chore for the good folks of Rotherham. I've often wondered how they can spend so much on takeaway yet grizzle @ the price of real food wen if done properly and thought out u can save £ I certainly cant afford takeaway every night! Anyway it's all in the can now as I see the book is out I will ofcourse wait for a friend to buy it and borrow it thereby saving myself £ to spend on caviar n bubbly. Best of luck chuk x
    Posted by D Muschamp on 30/09/2008 22:38:42
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  264. Dear Jamie,I am a Food Technology teacher and totally support what you are trying to do. I work in a white working class area and the kids love cooking, but often can't because they haven't done the written work to show they can plan and evaluate. I really believe that food lessons could hold the key to alot of behaviour problems in school and at home. The kids should be able to cook every week without written work. The evaluation comes from their own and their families opinion of what they have made. The lesson demands discipline and respect in its nature, because the kids want the recipe to succeed and so listen. Even the challenging ones! It no longer has a gender bias because of the likes of yourself, but the coursework is so intense it favours girls in general. We need to get back to kids cooking a basic recipe every week. No weeks of planning ,no evaluation , no levels just an enjoyable ,fulfilling lesson for all kids of all abilities.
    Posted by jo regan on 30/09/2008 22:34:38
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  265. While I admire the philosophy behind Jamie's new crusade, I ran out of sympathy for his subjects tonight when in tonights show, one of his 'class', in the act of pleading poverty, unable to afford bus fares to go shopping etc, quite nonchanlently puts 25p worth of death in her mouth and lights it in front of him and he doesn't comment on it. There is obviously no way to tell how extensive her own habit is but with the average smoker spending £35 per week feeding their habit rather than their children, why is he sympathising with her?. If she can spend government handouts of tax payers hard earned money on cigarrettes, she shouldn't complain that she has no money for clothes or bills. There is more wrong with this country than an inability to cook proper food, unfortuneatly, well meaning as Jamie is, he's not going to be able to make people self reliant again, although I wish him luck trying.
    Posted by george baker on 30/09/2008 22:33:00
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  266. Have just watched the show great, made me feel sick why oh why dont people cook. I think its great that you are attempting to challenge the masses good luck with that one. The mother that couldnt cook had no money tell her to stop smoking and buying takeaways etc etc. I would just like to point out that there are some of us out there that do cook every single day. I have an 18 month daughter who eats better than most of the poeple on the show. Why not cheer for those people who like me do cook properly, I make my own jam, I bake often more than once a week and i am in my thirties. My mum does, both grandparents did cook, my sister and my brother all cook. Liking what you are doing will continue watching to see if it works.
    Posted by Angela on 30/09/2008 22:30:58
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  267. Now Jamie has gone oop North and feels that in order to communicate with the working class people of Rotherham he needs to pepper his language with Ramseyisms. For someone who sets himself up as a saviour of the obese of the United Kingdom, he might do well to learn how to communicate with people of all ages, sizes,cultures, backgrounds and creeds without stooping to being as crude as Ramsey.
    Posted by Pat Walton on 30/09/2008 22:30:33
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  268. It's a shame that once again a programme that shows Rotherham in the worst light possible. Not everyone in Rotherham can't cook! Every town in the country has poor areas where nutrition and knowledge of food is bad, where people rely on takeaways. I grew up in Rotherham and have a degree in Food, and now work in product development in the food manufacturing industry. If I had the influence of Jamie Oliver, I'd use it to pressurise the education system to reintroduce Home Economics as a compulsory subject on the national curriculum. The sad fact is that if children are not educated on how to cook basic meals and the skills that go with it - meal planning, cooking on a budget, basic nutrition and knowledge of food ingredients - at school or at home, then the trend of living on ready meals and takeaways will continue, as will the incidence of obesity and all the health problems that go with it. When I was at school, Home Ec (or Food Technology as it called at my school), was not compulsory, and only a handful of students chose to take the subject at GCSE. Even then, the focus was on product development, preparing kids to work in food manufacturing. This does not teach kids how to cook and maintain a healthy diet, and give them the ability to pass these skills on to their own families in later life. I say bring back Home Ec!
    Posted by Jenny on 30/09/2008 22:29:02
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  269. I think its great what Jamie is trying to do but the government needs to do more. I never realised how unhealthy I was untill I studied nutritional care at university. I want to change my eating habits now and I think more statistics need to be published. Adverts! Tell the facts straight about the increase in obesity and malnutrition and what the world will be like in another 10 years. It scares me!
    Posted by jackie on 30/09/2008 22:27:54
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  270. Hay Jamie, Great idea, but you have to combat lazyness and get people motivated. Why not have cookry parties (remember tuperware!)people earning a wage, at times of the day that works for them passing on these recipes whilst selling somthing like discounted ingredience? These can be as fun as you like with a bottle of wine always going down well in my kitchen. Kids versions too, get them involved not screaming at your ankles. People are more receptive when laughing and having a good time. We need to be strong and stand up against the negitives who shout loudest.
    Posted by Dawn Hare on 30/09/2008 22:27:19
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  271. Hi Jamie I watched the first episode of your Ministry of Food (in Rotherham) programme and was totally blown away by people's approach to cooking a simple yet healthy meal for them and their family! What you're doing, or have started (as I haven't seen the rest of the prog), it's a great thing and if it makes an impact on just a few families' lives, then you've accomplished something. I almost cried when I saw the young mother who feeds her families kebabs night-in, night-out, actually getting down to cooking meat balls and spaghetti AND teaching her friends the recipe. She is a NATURAL at cooking and ought to be given a job to cook proper meals to folk and one that pays at least 3x her benefits pay of £80pw! I hope the rest of the programme proves me right, because that lady needs that kind of job. She's got talent. Give her the shop to run in your name. If there was ever a problem down south like that, I'd be there straight away, cooking and showing others how to cook. I thank God for my mum who can cook and learned from cookery books (Cordon Bleu) back in the 60's . I used to stand on the kitchen step every week and simply watch her make gravy from meat & veg juices on the gas hob! I can do those kinds of things through watching and doing. I can honestly say that I cook with fresh food, herbs & spices. Well done Jamie - keep it up - I'll be praying for you (eventhough this programme's already been recorded)! Keep making a stand for re-introducing the ministry of food in to this country.
    Posted by Jenny Churcher on 30/09/2008 22:26:42
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  272. Oh my god, i have just watched your programme Jamie (and I do hope you get to read this). Not shocked at all really just a bit speechless in what to say and I want to say so much. I live in Retford which is not so far away from Rotherham. I work as a Midwife at a hospital local to Rotherham. It breaks my heart sometimes to see the diet deemed healthy amongst our locality. I know its not just this area as I am sure the rest of your programme is going to identify but I find it so soul destroying to see the amount of people that were willing to volunteer or who felt that they should/could make an effort to try and change their lifestyle for not only themselves but their families. I appreciate that finance is a massive issue, but I cant afford take aways more than once a week, even if i did want to eat them. I have family in South Yorkshire who eat good wholesome diets and were brought up by parents who taught them how to eat and cook. They still do the same even though some of them arent exactly comfortable. I think you have got a bit of a challenge on your hands with this one love. Cant wait to see how it unfolds (unless it is already filmed)! If not I would love to be involved. Sue Brand xx
    Posted by SUE BRAND on 30/09/2008 22:24:56
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  273. I think Jamie is fantastic by giving up his time to help people like Natasha to cook. I can not believe that her excuse for not cooking is not having money? When she has a nice house...WITH ALL the nice trimmings Jewellery hanging round her neck perfesional photos of the kids hanging on the walls...AND chuffing on fags at £5 a packet!! And claims shes a single mum when her boyfriend has a cafe??? whats that all about? I can be skint at times and so tired but i do NOT let my little girl eat what ever is quick and conviniant for me! For god sake if Jamie come to my house i would do everything to make him proud of me and return the time and effort what he would make for me. But some people just dont know how lucky they are! And Jamie has also mentioned in the adverts that you can cook your own meals for a fiver that serves a whole family....surely thats cheaper then £70 a week on take aways! I am shocked that people actually live on take aways and couldnt believe my eyes when i saw the programme tonight! Im 22 and have a 3 year old and i wouldnt dream of letting her eat take away out of a box 7 nights a week its damn right lazy! i just thought i would share my views. And i just hope that Jaime can turn it around with all the hard work he has put in! GOOD LUCK JAMIE!!!!
    Posted by annie on 30/09/2008 22:24:28
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  274. please, please may I help with your mission. I love cooking from scratcth hate waste grow my own food, own chickens and geese. Let me help! people need to be able to cook for their pride health sociability skills and confidense building. make them aware what food is around them for free. eldeberries, blackberries, rosehips, hazlenuts,walnuts, sloes etc. i like you would like to help others build in them the passion for food and cooking that is in me and has thankfully never left me. too many people cannot manage on the money they have coming in they think they cannot cook from scrath, that it will be to exspensive IT ISN'NT IT'S CHEAPER BETTER AND HEALTHIER
    Posted by sue beswick on 30/09/2008 22:24:16
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  275. Really impressed with the first programme. Actually filled up when the woman cooked meatballs for the family and the little girl said how lovely they were. Will the others realise that the key to success is to plan the meals on a weekly basis and shop once to buy what they need.
    Posted by lynn roberts on 30/09/2008 22:24:02
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  276. Re: Jamies Ministry of Food. I wish Jamie all the luck on his new venture and for the sake of the children I hope he succeeds but I feel that if a person is inclined not to work, even to feed they own family then he is on a highway to nothing. My Husband works shifts and overtime and I stay home to look after very small children. There is no way we could afford to buy takeaways 4 times a week. I have one wedding ring and I can't afford a television that fills the room or an 8 burner cooker. I would welcome night courses on cooking because I try hard to cook but have many failures. This would be a great area to press the government on. I am happy to say that i rarely visit the pre-packed food shelves when I go shopping but do need more health and quick snack receipes.
    Posted by Angela Gallivan on 30/09/2008 22:23:03
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  277. I watch all of your tv shows i am a cook in a nursery and practise healthy eating at home and in the work place. I think that the way forward is to teach school age children how to cook, my daughter has recently chosen cookery as one of her GCSE and i was horrified to learn that they will only be taught to cook desserts!!!!!They seem only to be taught to pass an exam and not how to cook in the real world.Is there any way that you could promote that all secondary school children are taught healthly eating/basic culinary skills to equip them for life? I feel that this is the way forward even if you only get a minority that take this on as a career, everyone will have the ability to know basic cookery.
    Posted by Bev Higginbotham on 30/09/2008 22:21:52
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  278. I have just watched the first episode of the ministry of food and I am absolutely disgusted with the way you have portrayed the eating habits of "Northerners". The diets and eating habits of the people invovled in your programme are a disgrace but are in no means confined to the North. I live in a village in the North of Sheffield approximately 5 to 6 miles from Rotherham city centre. Whilst my family and I do enjoy the occassional take away this is by no means the norm. I cook for my two children aged 5 and 7 most nights of the week and I cannot think of anybody that I know that does not. I feel that the programme accepted lack of money as an easy excuse for not cooking whilst the families still managed to find money for cigarettes and takeaways. For the programme to be successful you should have refrained from the constant referrals of Jamie being form the Southern counties and continually insinuating that "Northerners" are either too lazy or too stupid to turn the hob on. Very annoyed Northerener. Maxine Daniel P.S. I have just finished my roast beetroot (Grown in grandads allotment) and welsh goats cheese salad and it was absolutely delicious.
    Posted by maxine daniel on 30/09/2008 22:21:25
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  279. I commend Jamie's effort to improve the eating habits on Britain. We should have more people like him. I do however think he should simplify things. For example, instead of teaching people who have never cooked how to make meatballs, a simple tomato sauce would be better. With that basic recipe, people can then use that as a base to make a bolognaise, or add some chicken or even make a vege tomatoe sauce. I know it may be way out, but anything made at home is better than fast food, even if it may be slightly convenient. A bottle/sachet of ready made sauce from any high street supermarket poured over a selection of fresh meat or vegetables into a casserole dish and baked for an hour makes a quick tasty meal. Ok, it is not 100% home cooked food but it is still better than fast food. Once again, excellent work Jamie but try to simplify things. cheers
    Posted by ramdas senasi on 30/09/2008 22:20:26
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  280. Hi Jamie, i've just enjoyed watching you show, Fantastic! I want to help so so much to get Britain cooking again, I've worked in catering most of my life, i'm 38, I have several friends who can't cook, I'm going to make a change to there lifes by showing them how to cook if they are willing to learn,People need to be shown the basics, they have a fear of the unknown and are scared of failure, I try new recipes alot and I'm so disappointed when things don't go right, but boy I'm estastic when they do, Jamie I'm looking forward to next weeks show already, BRING IT ON !!!
    Posted by Mandy Butler on 30/09/2008 22:18:56
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  281. I have cooked for myself, my extended family and many friends for over 20 years. I have been passing on my skills and would to anyone interested and even created a couple of recipes. I am on benefits and so a tight budget. I have an autistic 7 year old son who is a challenge to cook for and his diet is very good for a child with his abilities. I have friends who also cook from scratch using fresh food. My house may be a mess but at least we try to eat healthy most of the time. It can be difficult but not impossible so i would encourage any one to give it a try even if it is to start with just once or twice a week. Small steps lead to bigger gains.
    Posted by Helen Burns on 30/09/2008 22:17:58
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  282. I've just watched this programme and as I experience the benefits of fresh and simple food every day, I can't stop eulogising about Jamie: he is a real inspiration to all of us.
    Posted by Dr Alain J.E. Wolf on 30/09/2008 22:17:39
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  283. Jamie Oliver is trying to do yet anouther great job. We got so frustrated tonight, when one of the participants said she couldnot afford to buy the ingredients, yet she bought takeaways every night, and they cost far more than home cooking. Then she proceeded to light up a cigaret (from a packet costing at least £5.00. Best of luck Jamie, but I think you are banging your haed against a brick wall.
    Posted by June Edgeworth on 30/09/2008 22:17:02
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  284. I love to cook wish i had taken it up as a career. I would like to make a difference with the way people eat and i would love to bring back home cooking like granny and and mum used to do, bring me some ingredience of anything and i'll cook ya something (try)and ya can tell me what to do different. cooking can be alot healthier, cheaper and loads cheaper than take away lol, and more fun that the family can enjoy. Jay
    Posted by jay lewis on 30/09/2008 22:16:35
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  285. enjoying your programme .working at time it was filmed. i enjoy cooking but would appriciate if you could send me healthy cooking recipes please much repect p.s love to cook for my kids.want my kids to eat healthy not scared of cooking thanks very much.
    Posted by robert watts on 30/09/2008 22:12:52
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  286. i am one of many nurses who work nights unfortunatly we dont eat regularly or properly ,we eat junk ,we need help as we are all putting on weight,all cookery programs cater for your average day worker but there are thousands of us who work the dark side that need your help!!!!!!
    Posted by barbara banks on 30/09/2008 22:12:45
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  287. OK Jamie - good on you for another project - we know you care. How about just teaching the people of rotherham simple quick things - mince, ragu sauce and spaghetti - spag bol v quick. Cheese on toast - omlettes - stuff that is really simple - sorry salmon in rotherham - to them its posh nosh - its more stews and pies, stuff their grans made them - I was brought up in Northumberland and have lived down south since I was 11. There are foods you cook that will never be on their menus. Good luck but I think you needed to be a bit more in touch - would you like me to be your researcher????? love Nicola
    Posted by Nicola Collett on 30/09/2008 22:12:16
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  288. i hasve just watched the tv programme and was shocked to learn that so many young mums didn't even know what a cheese grater were, i must admit that i cannot cook very well at all, but i do try my best. well done jamie and i hope it works.
    Posted by julie roberts on 30/09/2008 22:12:00
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  289. I have just watched jamies ministry of food and cannot belive these people spend £10-£15 pounds on takeway 3-4 nights a week but say they cant afford to cook proper meals whilst standing smoking!!! WHAT RUBBISH I work full time as does my partner.. Im shattered when I get home from work but I always cook a proper balanced meal and I spend less in a week than they spend on the takeaways alone...It just laziness Im a southerner and my partner moved here 8 years ago from yorkshire he loves proper home cooking.. These people just cant be bothered dont waste your time or money Jamie!!
    Posted by Mia-Ellen Keegan on 30/09/2008 22:10:30
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  290. It appears that the 8 volunteer cooks have not done their sums i.e. the cost of takeaway meals verses the cost of making your own meals.
    Posted by Mary on 30/09/2008 22:08:13
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  291. Can't the people of Rotherham learn to use tinned tuna and tomatoes sometimes? It's better than sausage rolls and crisps. Make macaroni cheese from corner shop or bargain store ingredients.
    Posted by SusanWHarrow on 30/09/2008 22:07:07
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  292. Go Jamie! This new series is ground breaking and I know it is going to inspire people of all ages to get cooking and once that happens they will become more confident to keep eating real food rather than the plastic processed goo
    Posted by nicole billinge on 30/09/2008 22:06:52
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  293. hi Jamie just watched your new show and loved it and think its a great idea, I love to cook and have decided to learn at least two friends or family members to cook a healthy meal
    Posted by Lorraine on 30/09/2008 22:06:44
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  294. Great Idea again Jamie! At least someone is tryn to teach those mothers, who feed their children rubbish! It breaks my heart when I seen mums feeding todlers fast food! I have to try so hard to keep my mouth shut! This afternoon while at the bus stop a mum with her two young kids were eating chips and curry sauce, all three of them had their own portion - it was disgusting.. what more can I say...
    Posted by linz on 30/09/2008 22:06:38
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  295. Fantastic, Jamie. I teach Food Technology at a Secondary School in Somerset - total teaching food time nearly 30 years!!!It is great to see people trying to cook real food. Keep at it! X Wendy Mac
    Posted by Wendy MacKinnon on 30/09/2008 22:03:48
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  296. A great show only spoilt by Jamies' bad language. This is not necessary or is he trying to lower himself to the level of the people he is trying to influence, in which case it is very condescending
    Posted by GB on 30/09/2008 21:45:36
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  297. The woman said how can ppl afford the ingredients. I sware microwave meals and take aways cost as much or more than fresh ingredients.
    Posted by Chris on 30/09/2008 21:32:43
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  298. I feel that the bad language that accompanied this programme was unnecessary. I will not be watching it again - shame on you Channel 4. We see time and time again on the media how our young people are being contaminated by over exposure to infantile adult behaviour and this is just another example.
    Posted by lesleynewland on 30/09/2008 21:11:56
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