Like so many of you, I'm a huge fan of Jamie Oliver and the tireless effort he has put into changing the eating habits of young people not just in the UK, but across the globe. With obesity a national epidemic here in the United States, we need all the help we can get, don't we?
Back in May, when Jamie's team asked if I would do something to celebrate Food Revolution Day this year, I jumped at the chance. I wrote this little piece for the JOFR website...
Revolution sounds like an immense undertaking. Huge. Monumental. As a kid who wanted to make changes in our world, I was deeply intimidated by this notion. Did I have to be another Martin Luther King or Cesar Chavez to make a difference? I felt paralyzed by the enormity of the task.
I've come to realize that every day when we go to the market, cook for our family and friends, it's not just for nourishment and enjoyment, but is a small political act as well. Caring about the people who grow our food, who raise eggs and animals for meat and dairy, even setting aside a patch of earth to grow some of our own herbs, fruit, and veg... all these small acts (when you see them over and over again across the globe) make up a revolution.
Thankfully, Jamie Oliver recognized the radical and profound possibilities of such humble ventures. He has empowered us all to act in small ways together.
I knew I wanted to do something to celebrate Jamie's Food Revolution Day this year. At first, I imagined something big and elaborate like hosting a cooking class for kids, or throwing a huge party. But then I remembered that simple cooking for, and with, my family and friends is enough, and more true to who I am.
We asked Otis, our middle-schooler to bring his buddies to our house for supper. Then, we invited their parents, and our wonderful neighbors and their kids. Our evening was loose, organic, and informal. We followed the classic American tradition of grilling burgers and sipping root beer floats. We chatted, ate, laughed, and enjoyed each other's company.
If this simple joy is revolution, I'm in.
I really like what Jamie Oliver is doing in order to change people's eating habits.
ReplyDeleteOtis had a great idea.
Cheers,
Rosa
Rosa, I hope the changes continue. We are a disaster here in the US. You cannot imagine the junk that is served as food in our country.
DeleteWhat a great cause... Really like the message he is trying to spread.
ReplyDeleteJamie is a hero to me!
DeleteErin,I believe that people like you and me are making a small difference but with a huge impact in a long run. Tending garden, harvesting, cooking, recording and appreciating the whole process is a beautiful thing. Since I started my front yard veggie garden, people stop and take photos because they want to apply the idea to their own front lawn. I just smiled:) I'm not trying to be a hero but showing what's possible in a small scale to eating healthy food one street at a time. Great article, by the way!
ReplyDeleteEmi, I totally agree. I'm no hero, but it's not hard to make a (small) difference. We all have to eat 3 meals a day... why not make them both pleasurable and healthful!
DeleteAnd growing even the tiniest bit of food is so deeply satisfying isn't it? I smile at our little garden every day.
xo
E
I admire folks who want to make a difference in people's lives and typically they do it in such small ways. There is such a personal satisfaction to either growing your own food or simply just making something from scratch. It is so nice to see that you are an ambassador for Jamie's cause! Nicely done Erin!
ReplyDeleteLisa, you are totally doing your part too! All of that beautiful food you cook for your family, friends, and all of us readers as well:)
Deletexoxo
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Lovely little piece! And I agree, by all doing our small part, we are contributing to change.
ReplyDelete"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." -- Margaret Mead
Christina, thank you for sharing that wonderful quote from Margaret Mead! It does feel great to be part of a large tasty food movement, even if our part is small.
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Such a great post Erin and such an important message; thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThanks Kathryn! xo
DeleteI completely agree with your message. Strange how simple it actually is and how difficult that message seems to be to many (definitely not only the US, I notice the same things here in Europe). Cook well and eat together... Spread the word. Thanks for sharing this, Erin!
ReplyDeleteDenise, I can't resist an excuse to eat well with loved ones. And like you, I find it strange that so many people resist at all. I guess we need people like Jamie to remind us over and over?
DeleteHope you are well!
xoxo
e
I'm a huge fan of his work, I think he is brilliant and it's so cool that you are getting involved!
ReplyDeleteAnd like you, I'm in too!! Hugs to you!
Hugs back at ya Najwa!
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Lovely!
ReplyDeleteThanks Elissa!
DeleteThis is lovely and I am such a huge fan of Jamie Oliver. I adore the chef!
ReplyDeleteHope you had a good 4th Kankana:) xoxo
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