JOHN Anderson, the cook whose popular budget meals of cheese fritters and jerked chicken back was highlighted by the Jamaica Observer, has caught the attention of local cheese manufacturers, Dairy Industry Jamaica Limited.

The company last week donated 10 pounds of cheese to the cook to assist in his operations and also promised to look at other ways to work with the chef in the future.

"We saw the story in the newspaper and we became really excited and decided that we wanted to make a donation to this local chef," said Nadine Roberts, marketing manager for the dairy company.

She also presented several aprons and shirts to Anderson during her visit to Tredegar Park in St Catherine, where Anderson runs his street-side restaurant, last week .

Roberts said that not only did Anderson's efforts highlight Jamaicans' entrepreneurial spirit, but it also showcased her company's current marketing campaign to get Jamaicans to use cheese in more varied ways.

'We are really excited about what we saw and do hope that more people will start to use more cheese to prepare creative dishes," said Roberts.

Anderson said he set out to distinguish himself from other cook shop operators with his creative menu selections.

"A food shop in Jamaica is nothing unique, and mi done realise this. But that is why mi try to come up with not only creative meals, but I prepare food at prices that is hard to follow," Anderson told the Sunday Observer recently.

The meal, consisting of an oversized cheese fritter and a serving of spicy jerked chicken back, costs just $100.

Anderson, a father of two, said that he was encouraged by the private sector support.

"Me really feel good to see the company coming into the community to provide assistance to my little small operation and mi hope that with all of this highlight I will be able to expand the operations of my company in coming months," said Anderson.

Three years ago Anderson started his streetside cook shop after struggling to find employment.

"For years I was forced to stay at home because I could not find a job, ah construction work mi used to do but that get slow, and I just decided one day that I would try to do something for myself, and that was how the concept to prepare jerk chicken back and cheese fritters came about," said Anderson.