MNN - Mother Nature Network

The obesity epidemic in the United States is old news by now. We've become more sedentary, eat food with little nutritional value, and rely on heavily processed food and drink to get us through the day. There are several notable people who are determined to meet this challenge head on.

 

First Lady Michelle Obama is taking a crack at childhood obesity with her Let's Move program, promoting healthy habits early on in life. She calls on parents, schools, community leaders, elected officials, chefs and kids to make systemic changes that will change the way we think about food and fitness.

 

The video below is a clip from Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution. Jamie visited an elementary school in West Virginia to talk about food, and the majority of the kids were unable to identify the fresh vegetables he shows them.

 

 

If healthy food is important to you, there are plenty of ways you can get involved in this movement at home. We can educate kids about healthy food through visiting local farms and farmers markets to learn first-hand where our food comes from. Both Drumlin Farm and Smolak Farm in Massachusetts have excellent opportunities for children to learn about farm animals and growing vegetables. If you're unable to travel to a farm, visiting a weekly farmers market will greatly expand the number of vegetables that kids can name!

 

If you're looking for a volunteer opportunity, AmeriCorps recently started a new service program called FoodCorps, aimed at providing farm-fresh foods in schools across the country. Massachusetts will be hosting several new FoodCorps members through The Food Project, located in Lynn and Boston, Mass. Volunteer responsibilities will include building and tending school gardens and teaching kids about food and nutrition.

 

Spring is finally on its way here, so take this opportunity to get outside and play with your food!