June 20, 2011

Chef speaks, kids listen.

“Be healthy – follow the 4 basic food groups and exercise” – that’s what I learned in elementary school. It’s simply not that simple today. Child obesity has been a hot topic for several years. It’s still shocking to learn that 1 in 3 children in America are overweight or obese. The encouraging news is that it’s in the news – the country is responding. Food manufacturers are lowering sugars, fats and eliminating high fructose corn syrup in their products. Fast food restaurants are offering healthier options and disclosing nutritionals. And, with 31 million kids eating lunch at school and nearly 11 million eating breakfast there as well, schools are responding too and expected to improve. A tough task, considering the budget and time issues they are forced to manage. As part of First Lady Obama’s Let’s Move! initiative, Chefs Move to Schools was created. A concept that utilizes the trendy “celebrity and expert status” of chefs today. Top local chefs work with school foodservice staff, students and their community to educate and build enthusiasm around healthy eating. Very cool.

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