Have you seen Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution? Umm, AMEN BROTHA! Seriously. I am shaking from excitement that the thing which consumes me daily is made so public.
THIS is my job. THIS is my ministry. Though it is not in the same setting as Jamie, it's with similar people - particularly little ones. I've been finding more local and national communities of folks like me - those serving food to those who can't or don't want to make healthy, sustainable choices. That's been wonderful and uplifting and downright helpful. But this. This is something altogether different. A network television show (AtotheBtotheC) confronting and addressing the way we eat in our country and what it is doing to us.
Brilliant.
Now, the concessions. I wouldn't approach it this way. I don't know if this is scripting, a cultural difference or just a personality trait but it appears to me that Jamie is/was both unprepared and ill-equipped to deal with Americans and their eating habits. I think there's room for more sensitivity and listening here. Let's talk about the history of food, kitchens, agriculture and cooking first. And let's do it with these individuals. It is a bit incomplete to jump in and switch out food. No matter how easy it is to cook or how yummy it is. And I'm already a convert when it comes to Oliver recipes. They're pretty spectacular.
I've gotten all jazzed up by this opportunity. I've already sent off an email to my boss extolling the opportunity to publicly align ourselves with this revolution. We'll see what come of it, but I can't sit idly by. We need this boost.
Then again, I'm particularly jazzed because I just sat through a one day ServSafe manager's certification course and exam. What a crock. If you watch the Oliver episode and you see the part about the ridiculous red tape you'll get a glimpse into the hypocrisy I was fed today.
Down with the food industrial complex and up with sustainable communal eating!
Monday, March 22, 2010
Monday, May 4, 2009
getting better?
So I'm still writing papers and I'm still not cooking as much but I had the best experience last night. A friend who knew what a rut I was in with this paper made me dinner and brought it down to me. I was able to eat some fresh veg and pasta with good company and not take out too much time from studying. It was just what I needed and I finished my work before midnight! I am eternally grateful for such community and caring. And to be honest, completely petrified that I won't find this where I am going. Le sigh.
On another note, another evening of paper writing and not stopping to cook. I am living on the rather prepared foods that I got just for this occasion and it makes me think about the options that we have as busy people in a fast paced world. We stress both eating healthy and eating as a means to an end (rather than an end in itself). So we end up with this process, self-professed healthy food. This seems like an oxymoron to me. Can we have food that is holistically healthy and processed? Are the organic frozen wontons that I bought okay with me? It certainly isn't my first choice, but is it an acceptable alternative? I need to think about this more, but first I need to think about ancient agrarian societies and the prophecies of doom against them.
On another note, another evening of paper writing and not stopping to cook. I am living on the rather prepared foods that I got just for this occasion and it makes me think about the options that we have as busy people in a fast paced world. We stress both eating healthy and eating as a means to an end (rather than an end in itself). So we end up with this process, self-professed healthy food. This seems like an oxymoron to me. Can we have food that is holistically healthy and processed? Are the organic frozen wontons that I bought okay with me? It certainly isn't my first choice, but is it an acceptable alternative? I need to think about this more, but first I need to think about ancient agrarian societies and the prophecies of doom against them.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
oops
I'm in the middle of my last possible deadline for this paper and I have less than 24 hours to finish it. What to do? Start a blog!
When I'm supposed to be thinking of something else, or when I'm just thinking of nothing, my mind usually turns to food. An unhealthy relationship with food in the past has meant that my unhealthy relationship with myself was further fueled by this practice. Now, no more. A couple years ago and a whole host of experiences later my outlook on food has changed dramatically. And, while my issues still exist, I find that my thoughts are no longer harmful to my relationship with myself.
I find food fascinating, from the science of its lifespan to the economics of its production and all the way into the mouths of those who do or do not eat it. Hopefully what follows will be my own accounting of what goes on in my head and in the future, might serve some purpose other than the aiding of procrastination.
Hating to open on a bad note, but needing to be honest, I admit that I am stuck between licorice, coffee and cereal for the time being. This "study" schedule has got my mind in a tizzy and I feel guilty taking the time to cook for myself. It is an unhealthy thing, but a common experience among students.
More on that and everything else, later. For now, I will only feel better when I've finished this paper. Peace!
When I'm supposed to be thinking of something else, or when I'm just thinking of nothing, my mind usually turns to food. An unhealthy relationship with food in the past has meant that my unhealthy relationship with myself was further fueled by this practice. Now, no more. A couple years ago and a whole host of experiences later my outlook on food has changed dramatically. And, while my issues still exist, I find that my thoughts are no longer harmful to my relationship with myself.
I find food fascinating, from the science of its lifespan to the economics of its production and all the way into the mouths of those who do or do not eat it. Hopefully what follows will be my own accounting of what goes on in my head and in the future, might serve some purpose other than the aiding of procrastination.
Hating to open on a bad note, but needing to be honest, I admit that I am stuck between licorice, coffee and cereal for the time being. This "study" schedule has got my mind in a tizzy and I feel guilty taking the time to cook for myself. It is an unhealthy thing, but a common experience among students.
More on that and everything else, later. For now, I will only feel better when I've finished this paper. Peace!
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