Jamie Oliver gives libraries budget cookbook

Jamie Oliver is donating a copy of Save with Jamie, his new affordable meals cookbook, to every library in Britain.

The celebrity chef, 38, is on a “mission to make exciting food that doesn’t break the bank” available to all, including those who cannot afford his book. It comes after he said he found it difficult to talk about modern poverty while coming across families who live on junk food, yet spend money on expensive TVs.

The deal between libraries and publisher Penguin Random House was brokered by the Reading Agency literacy charity. Oliver said: “Everyone deserves a chance to learn basic skills that can improve everyday lives. Reading and cooking are two of those skills.”

Tony Durcan, of the Society of Chief Librarians, said: “Libraries are experiencing a tsunami of demand from users on tight budgets, many claiming welfare benefits. So Jamie’s gift is extremely welcome.”