Shortly after watching the 5th episode of Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution, my husband asked if I thought the show was actually going to have any effect. It’s a version of a conversation we’ve had many times: what difference does one person, whether they’re eating organic, shopping at a farmer’s market, writing a blog or creating a television show, really have on the overall perspectives and eating habits of Americans?
I replied with the same answer I’ve been using for sometime. Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution is another addition to the “storm” of information that has the potential to change American diets.
Did I like the show? Yes. I’m so glad that someone finally created a show on network television that revealed some of the issues in eating today. I really enjoyed Jamie’s personality and completely respect the work he’s trying to do. As a teacher, children and school food are topics which are really important to me. The only thing I didn’t like about the show was that it seemed almost entirely focused on the schools. I wish Jamie had spent more time with families, or demonstrating healthy cooking, or teaching someone how to grocery shop.
But back to the storm. The show was a mini-series, only 6 episodes long. Will the show make a difference? I doubt that cafeterias across the country are suddenly going to stop serving processed food, but I’m sure that at least a handful of people discovered how poor the offerings of many cafeterias are. Those people may instigate change in their local school system, or start packing healthy lunches for their children. Those parents, or students, will likely share this information with those around them. I’ve said it before and I still believe that one of the most effective ways to change people’s minds is personal contact. I changed my eating habits, shared what I learned with Brian and my family and they’ve made some changes to theirs. The more people are exposed to healthy eating ideas, and the experience that the food actually tastes good, the more likely they are to change and the more likely we are to see real change in America. It seems to me that the more changes I make, the more people I meet who are also interesting in changing the food system; the more conversations we have, the more change is going to happen. Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution is just one more addition to the storm of information, education and change that has the potential to change the way America eats.
In the event that you missed the series, the finale episode is below. Check out Hulu for the rest:
If this wasn’t enough commentary for you, here’s some of the latest on Jamie’s show from around the web:
The Atlantic: “School Lunches: Helping Kids Eat Commodities”
SlashFood: Nasty Things Come in Lunch Bags – ‘Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution’
Serious Eats: Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution Episode 6 Recap
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, you can show your support by signing the Food Revolution Petition by clicking the button below:
