Hot Topics: Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution

In recent conversations I’ve had with friends and my mother, there is quite a buzz around the new ABC television show Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution.  The buzz began before its first episode, my mother called me two days before suggesting I DVR it.  I didn’t get much of the details, but I assumed it was a one-time program about healthy eating, perhaps diving into the “Eat Local” message or a closer look into  the food production system in the United States. (*side-note* This reminds me, I saw the movie Our Daily Bread this week.  Visually appealing and educational. Highly recommended!!)  I should have looked into JO’s Food Revolution - all I knew was that my mom was excited!  She even called hours before episode #1, reminding me in a voicemail that it was “airing tonight!"  However, even after her great efforts, I wasn’t able to make it to my DVR in time.  I missed the debut.  I thought, 'eh, no biggie,' but now - two episodes into “Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution” it feels as though I am the only one who hasn’t seen it and the only one not talking about it!!!  While on vacation I encountered family and friends who had seen the show and asked what I thought.  I couldn’t respond, but only thought, 'geez this show is truly a “hot topic!”'

A bit of background -  Jamie Oliver has become a well known advocate for relaxed, simple, healthy cooking.  Jamie’s career bloomed from cookbooks to television shows (in USA and UK) and powerful public health efforts (raising awareness about the state of the UK’s school lunch program).  This new show on ABC is attempting to combine all things Jamie Oliver - his cooking, his attempt to make healthy eating accessible, his motivation to change our food systems, and his TV friendly personality.  In a conversation, during which my mother was debriefing the show, she mentioned that part of the reason the show works so well is because of Jamie’s tangible emotional connection to this revolution.  She can feel his passion.  

Now, it should be noted that I have still not seen an episode of the Food Revolution. I wanted to do a bit of research before I dove into the frenzy.  Jamie’s food revolution is engrained in these five parts:

1. It’s simple, so simple that there is always a way to get involve no matter what your role/profession/age.

2. Understand your food.  Everyone should be asking questions like 'What is this made of?'  'Where did it come from?' and with these questions, respond with emotions like frustration, confusion, and anger.

3. Fight the facts.  Fighting the reality that children, because of their diets, are setting themselves up for shorter lives compared to those of their parents. The revolution gives children a chance to fight this destiny.

4. Educating the adults so that they can help the children make smart choices.

5. Watch the revolution on TV, but then create your own revolution!  You can watch all you want, but change will only happen if we use this information as tool for our own lives.

Sounds like a solid game plan but where is Jamie going to use these strategies? The answer is Huntington, West Virginia, recently labeled as one of the unhealthiest cities in America.   First, he enters the school cafeteria to jump start the revolution, but also ventures into personal kitchens, hospitals, and takes on those who criticize his efforts.  I’m about to watch episode 1 online (in case you’re like me, episodes can be found at http://abc.go.com/shows/jamie-olivers-food-revolution/episode-guide).  I already think that I’m a fan - seems like many of my friends are too.  Let’s hope this catches on!