Did you know that according to the World Health Organization, there are more than 40 million children under the age of five who are overweight or obese? That’s a staggering statistic and one that needs immediate attention. Thankfully, celebrity chef Jamie Oliver is doing just that through his Food Revolution Day’a day of global action created by Jamie and his Food Foundation to inspire people of all ages to learn about food and how to cook it.
This year, the fourth-annual Food Revolution Day is Friday May 15th and the topic is ‘fighting for food education for every child.’ In other words, Jamie is campaigning to put practical food education back into our schools’ curriculums. He believes that ‘by educating children about food in a practical, fun and engaging way, we can provide them with the knowledge and skills they so urgently need to lead healthier, happier lives.’
To prove he’s serious, he recently launched a global petition to fight for compulsory food education and is calling on all G20 countries to take action. The goal is to get 1 million signatures this year, a task that should be doable if we all sign it (it takes 20 seconds!) and share it with our friends, family, and social networks.
To help his efforts, Food Revolution Ambassadors from around the world are encouraging everyone to get involved. Here are some of their ideas on how you can get in on the action at home:
- On or around Food Revolution Day, host a dinner party, picnic, or a potluck (need some inspiration? Check out the Food Revolution recipes page).
- Take a visit to your local farmers’ market, pick up some new-to-you ingredients and taste them. Use your ingredients to cook a recipe you have never tried before.
- Take the time to cook with your kids (try making Jamie’s Squash it Sandwich together). After all, food education begins at home.
Do we really need a food revolution? Watch Jamie’s inspiring TED talk and you’ll be convinced.
Tell us, do you think food education should be compulsory in schools? Are your children learning about the importance or healthy eating or how to cook in their classes? Do they cook at home? Let’s discuss.
Tagged under: food,Education,Jamie Oliver,Food Revolution,The Naked Chef,food education,G20,Food Revolution Day
Category: food-news
