Getting Good Results, Without the Song and Dance

Following this week’s release of Deakin University’s findings that revealed the positive impact of Jamie Oliver’s Ministry of Food program on the Ipswich community in Queensland, foundational supporter and well-known electrical retail leader, Andrew Muir of The Good Guys, says he believes the wider journey towards tackling the growing issue of obesity and diet related diseases in Australia needs to start now, to encourage and educate the next generation.

Having partnered with Jamie Oliver to bring his Ministry of Food program to Australia in 2010, Muir was and continues to be acutely aware of the significant health and diet related issues facing communities across Australia.

Muir stated, “Programs such as Jamie’s Ministry of Food are good models because they help to not only empower and encourage individuals and communities to make positive changes for better nutrition, they also address the significant issue that new generations are having a shorter life expectancy than the previous – which is astounding.”

Muir continued, “We knew when we first addressed this issue that something had to be done and although it has been a tough journey, these results show that change is achievable with the right tools and education.”

With education being a key factor in the program, Muir is encouraging businesses, communities and the government to address the growing need for school programs to educate the next generation of Australians, to ensure that the cycle of obesity is stopped.

“It does cost money and it does take time, however the cost and strain on our health system in the future and the health of individuals in general, is of far greater importance,” said Muir. “I am sure that if there was a reallocation of funds from advertising healthy eating into hands-on educational programs like Jamie’s Ministry of Food, we as a community may be able to achieve some positive change.”

Muir, who openly communicates his vision and passion for good food and nutrition, believes that good food behaviours begin in the home, and says that program’s like Jamie’s Ministry of Food provide the tools and necessary skills to help individuals and families cook healthy and delicious food, every day. And that’s a good thing.

For more information, or to find out more about The Good Guys support of Jamie’s Ministry of Food Australia, visit www.thegoodguys.com.au