Jamie Sadler, Food Nation managing director

IT was an iconic image of childish rebellion.

Outstretched arms reaching through a school fence, the youngsters were eagerly railing against a system designed to look after their health.

But it wasn't all their own doing.

On the other side of the barrier, a group of equally eager parents were keenly plying the students with fish and chips.

They claimed the pupils were not being given enough choice on school meals.

The move was viewed as a backlash against TV chef Jamie Oliver's campaign for healthy school dinners.

Eight years later and those youngsters are now older, perhaps a little wiser too, having left the playground for pastures new.

But the focus on the importance of food and nutrition lingers as strong as ever.

Food Nation, in Newcastle, operates closely with Mr Oliver's Ministry of Food (MOF) programme to revive people's passion for the kitchen.

Working alongside MOF, Food Nation runs eight-week courses, offering cooks the chance to develop new skills and learn more about food, nutrition and health.

It also runs additional six-week cookery courses introducing chefs to new ingredients and seasonal cooking.

Jamie Sadler, Food Nation's managing director, says the aim is a simple one. Mr Sadler, a qualified nutritionist, who is originally from York, said: “As a social enterprise, our mission and our vision is all based on informing people about good food.

“We have a very passionate team and work with thousands of people and schools in the region to try and tackle dietary inequalities.

“We are very hands-on and want people to be interested and excited about food.

“It's not just about eating that food though, we want to show what good food is and do that by looking at where it comes from and its nutritional value as well as the producers and animal welfare too.”

He said the cause has benefited from Mr Oliver's support, with his high-profile stature drawing more interest in the subject.

Mr Sadler, 34, has met the chef on a number of occasions, and says his drive to improve standards replicates Food Nation's work.

He said: “Jamie is a top guy and a very passionate man when it comes to food.

“One of the things we are big on is creativity and innovation and going forward we want to work with more people in the North-East as we can.

“We are starting a new catering arm of the business to do things like weddings and street events, but the ethos remains on our main social mission to get people interested in good food.”

Favourite North East building and why? The Byker Wall, a listed building in Byker. It's the place I started my career and the community I love working in.

What was your first job and how much did you get paid? Bottling up in my parents’ pub for free.

What is the worst job you have had? Dipping sheep.

What would you cook for me if I came around for dinner? Moroccan-style tapas with homemade flat breads and tons of fresh herbs.

What would your superpower be? Preventing food poverty.

Name four people, dead or alive, who would be at your perfect dinner party: Bobby Gillespie, brother Nick, Keith Floyd and Eric Cantona.

What is the most expensive thing you have bought – other than car or house – and how much did it cost? My specialised road bike. It cost about £1,500.

Who is the best person to follow on Twitter and why? Apart from @thefoodnation, it would be restaurant critic Jay Rayner - @jayrayner1 - for his lively food commentary and dry sense of humour.

Favourite book? Anything by Tim Lang, Professor of Food Policy at City University, London.

When did you last cry? When my dad had a heart attack. He's fully recovered now.

What is your greatest achievement? Developing Food Nation into a successful social enterprise with a great team of staff and volunteers.

What is the best piece of advice in business you have ever been given? Graft hard and surround yourself with talented people that share your vision.

Favourite animal and why? British Bulldogs. Their faces make me laugh.

Most famous person on your mobile phone? A picture of me and Jamie Oliver as work closely with his Better Food Foundation.

What was the last band you saw live? White Lies, in London.

Describe your perfect night in. With the Mrs, chilling, cooking, red wine, listening to music and watching the football highlights.

In another life I would be… Influential in food policy at a global level. Although I’m still hoping to get there in this life.

Who would play you in a film of your life? Denzel Washington.

What irritates you? Food waste.

What is your secret talent? Keep-ups in football and homemade pizzas.