This Is YOUR Food Revolution Now

This Is YOUR Food Revolution Now

Thu 14 Jul 2011

Story by The Food Revolution Team
 

The cameras have stopped rolling, Jamie’s back in England and the show has come to an end. But this, as you know, was no ordinary reality TV show.

Jamie’s Food Revolution in LA, following season one in West Virginia, was about more than drama and entertainment – it was about making real, lasting and positive change to the way America eats, and particularly to the way America feeds its children.

So, as Jamie said in his closing message, this is YOUR Food Revolution now.

Some fantastic progress has been made possible by the passionate, courageous people who helped Jamie when he was in L.A. Flavored milk is a thing of the past for 680,000 LAUSD students; and the new LAUSD Food Board Superintendent, John Deasy, has also promised to start phasing out the dreaded corndogs and chicken nuggets.

But there’s so much more to do. Hundreds of thousands of American’s children are still being fed sugary, salty, fatty processed foods for their main school meal every day – and often going home for more of the same. You, and everyone you know, can change this with a little effort. Demand real food, and make it clear that you do not think the status quo is good enough for your children.

Why not take the first step and find your local Food Revolution group? Every state now as at least one group, but if there isn’t one in your neighborhood – well, you know what to do – you can create your own! Like so many others whose stories are told in our news section, you’ll be surprised how many people there are in your area who’d love to join forces with you and get campaigning.

Get your group together to set some goals. What makes you angry? Is it the sugar your kid drinks in their flavored milk every lunchtime? Is it the pre-cooked, processed corn dog and fries that passes for an acceptable school meal? Maybe it’s the perfect patch of land in your neighborhood that’s crying out to be made into a community garden, to teach kids about where their food comes from and how to cook it. Your group can inspire the local community to help reach these goals.

Think about the changes you want to make in your schools and communities. One of the simplest things you can do to prepare your children for a healthy adulthood is to pass on your skills to them – all the tips, tricks and cooking knowledge you’ve picked up over the years, as well as that amazing roast chicken recipe your mom taught you.

If you know how to cook, pass on your skills for future generations. Giving your children food knowledge and cooking skills is a gift they’ll use for the rest of their lives.

If your kids and their families don't learn, their only option will be a diet of processed and fast food. If you don't know how to cook, start now! It could change your life and improve your health prospects.

Not a confident cook yourself? Not a problem! What a perfect family project: one that’ll benefit all of you, and give you some great time together. We have loads of quick and easy recipes, all nutritionally checked, to start you off as you all learn to cook. With a few basic skills, you can completely revolutionize the way you and your family eat and live.

The Food Revolution has only just begun and we are here to help – but it’s in your hands now, and we want to hear from you as you take charge so don’t forget to let us know how you get on by posting on our Food Revolution Community wall. We will also be tracking our groups and the great work you do so look out for messages from HQ.

Grownups have failed schoolchildren for far too long. It’s time to start feeding them better, and there’s no one more qualified to make that happen than you, join us!

The Food Revolution Team

Images: Taken from the Food Revolution Community
Top row from left to right:
Lisa Abitbol – From June Milk Day of Action
Giuseppina Massari - Cooking class at Middle school
Marcie Webber Barajas - 8 year old educating about the dangers of artificial colors
Ang Harvey - Participating in the Chipotle Boorito event

Bottom row from left to right:
Juli Leeds - Organic meyer lemonade stand
Amanda Curry - Homemade Veggie Quinoa Burgers made at Boys & Girls Clubs of San Dieguito
Adriana C. Menke - Kids and Short Chef making a salad at Fairchilds Edible Garden Festival
Mara Panzarella Winders - Strawberry yogurt pops