Reggae Reggae chef Levi Roots cooked up a storm to support the launch of a healthy eating campaign for young people in Lambeth last week.
The celebrity chef passed on his grandmother’s wisdom to support 11 to 18-year-olds in making healthier food choices at the launch of Feel 100% at Myatt’s Fields Park last Tuesday.
Best known from the fourth series of Dragons Den, at this event Levi was more of a man of the area, a Brixton resident, a passionate advocate of letting young people see for themselves that they can make delicious yet healthy cuisine.
“I think it’s really important to teach them the basics, letting them have a go and letting them know that it’s not difficult,” he said.
“It is a life skill that once you’ve learnt it, it stays with you all your life.
“Learn how to cook that first spaghetti bolognese or jerk chicken or jollof rice or whatever it is that you know, from where you come.
“I think that it’s really important to learn properly and from an early age.”
The British-Jamaican added: “I’ve always said that wherever you’re going, you’re just as good as the place you are coming from.
“Eat locally, eat culturally but eat the right thing.”
Levi used pots of imagination to transform a delightful display of fruits and salads into a hearty and homely feast.
As he barbecued marinaded chicken and fresh pineapple on skewers, the aroma was heaven for the nostrils.
He also stressed the need for young people to take part in physical activity.
Dr Bimpe Oki, consultant in public health for Lambeth Council, said: “We find that activity levels are a lot higher where people have opportunities to buy fruit and veg at a reasonable price.
“We want them to be able to shape not just their own lives but also the lives of those around them so we really look forward to how this is going to impact the lives of our young people mentally.”
