Thoughts on Food Revolution?

ArcticFox

I caught two episodes last night, but I wasn't really watching (taking care of the baby and cleaning while it was on).

I'm not sure if I "get" the show.  The host just tries to get people to eat healthier, and to understand why?

I was kind of confused why he was trying to teach 1,000 how to cook a quick, healthy meal, but he didn't tell the viewers about the meal?  (Or did I miss that part because I wasn't paying attention?)

What is the "goal" of the show, just to tell people that eating junk is bad for you?

On a side note.. I noticed the producer is Ryan Seacrest.. interesting.

WendyGR

It's a reality show and he's trying to get that specific town to eat better to see if it can be done. I like that he's trying to get across that people need to eat healthy, but the "reality" part is kind of annoying. I'm cynical so I think the whole drama with the radio host was made up. And now the lunch lady is against him? It seems too put on.

MarisaDolce

ArcticFox:

I caught two episodes last night, but I wasn't really watching (taking care of the baby and cleaning while it was on).

I'm not sure if I "get" the show.  The host just tries to get people to eat healthier, and to understand why?

Huntington, WV was named as the fattest city in the US (by the CDC). Jaime is starting the food revolution there because of that reason. He did a food revolution similar in the UK. The whole point is to incorporate healthy cooking/meals into people's lives. He is working with the schools to get fresh, nutritious meals for lunches instead of frozen, processed foods. 

I was kind of confused why he was trying to teach 1,000 how to cook a quick, healthy meal, but he didn't tell the viewers about the meal?  (Or did I miss that part because I wasn't paying attention?)

You missed that part  

What is the "goal" of the show, just to tell people that eating junk is bad for you?

It's not necessarily that junk food is bad for you, more that if people continue to eat the way they currently do, they are going to die at a younger age. The goal is to get Huntington, WV to change their food habits and then eventually make it a national campaign. Again, the goal is to teach people that cooking can be simple, easy, and nutritious. People know junk food is bad, but especially in the schools, there aren't many (if any) healthy choices...that is why he started in the schools. If children are growing up thinking their meals are real "food," they will continue those habits into adulthood.

On a side note.. I noticed the producer is Ryan Seacrest.. interesting.

Didn't notice   But the overall message is great and I love the show. If you goggle the food revolution, you can find out more about it, and I encourage you to. Jaime also has a great book out too. I almost bought it at the bookstore yesterday, but I wasn't a fan of the recipes. It would be great for someone starting out in the kitchen and maybe has a more diverse palette.

stanleh

I've been watching since the beginning, partly b/c I love Jaime Oliver.  The concept is great and I think for a good number of Americans, it will get them thinking about what they are eating and what schools are feeding our kids.  I have liked the personal stories that were shared b/c I think they are common around this country. 

I'm glad he started in the schools b/c I didn't know how bad it really was.  We pay for our kids to eat crap.  I think the purpose is to get people to wake up and start to take control of what they put in to their bodies....as I sit here eating a cookie.......:)

RockysLove

If you knew the area, you'd totally believe the charaters that are against him.  I grew up in WV and went to Marshall.  Most people in WV have a serious "I don't have to and you can't make me" attitude.  I'm really surprised that there aren't more characters like Alice.

foundmylazybum

Alice, the lunch lady at the elementary school has never been a Jamie fan since the first episode. On Friday's show he was stumping to get money to keep the healthy lunch program in the schools and he brought a big donor to the schools. He was worried (rightly so I think) that Alice would be blunt about her personal feelings towards Jamie and the program--in front of a donor. It wasn't like it was some "new" issue. 

Having worked in a non-profit institution before..some of this may be reality television, but when working with donors you really have to make sure that all your employees are saying the same message in front of donors...because an "Alice" personality could destroy the bigger mission. I found Jamie's fears to be pretty accurate.  

PurposelyVague

i just watched all of the episodes on abc.com this weekend. i think that the overall message is good.. but i do find it to be a little fake. i believe alice is real, but the radio host thing looked staged to me.

i sent the episode with the marshall kids doing the dance to my skids in the hopes that it would entice them to watch it. i know they at least like the dance )