The four-part series, which is due to air this autumn, kicks off with Oliver trying to help people in the South Yorkshire town of Rotherham who cannot or will not cook.
Oliver hopes to roll out a nationwide campaign later in the year.
The series is inspired by the Ministry of Food, which was set up to reduce malnutrition during World War II and resulted in the British public being fitter than they are today.
The ministry's advice on recipes and avoiding waste, alongside famous campaigns such as "Dig for victory", was credited with keeping Britain fighting.
Six decades on, the issues are very different, as poor diet is leading to obesity-related illnesses including heart disease and diabetes, which are said to be costing the NHS over £3bn a year.
Oliver faced his toughest resistance to his school dinners campaign in Rotherham, from mums who passed junk food through playground railings to their children.
Oliver said: "Rotherham is a typical British town; this isn't about me wagging my finger at people, here or anywhere else, it's about finding out what problems people are facing with time, budget and cooking know-how.
"It may feel like 'Mission Impossible', but it's too important for us to give up. I hope that once people see how quick, cheap and easy -- as well as rewarding -- it can be to prepare good food for you and your family at home, the ready meals and takeaways will be straight in the bin!"
'Jamie's Ministry of Food' cookbook will be published in October.
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