Table Talk: February 25

Solving the problem of obesity in America

By Kim O'Donnel

February 22, 2010

This week, on Table Talk, Kim O’Donnel hosted a discussion about Let’s Move, Michelle Obama’s anti-obestity campaign. Everyone came prepared also to talk about the First Lady’s initiative, plus Jamie Oliver’s new show — and the general state of eating/health in the United States.

Michelle Obama is tackling childhood obesity.

It’s all happened right here, on Thursday, February 25, at 10 a.m. PT, 1 p.m. ET.

Kim, a trained chef and longtime food journalist, is writing a cookbook for people trying to eat less meat. Most Thursdays, she brings ideas, tips, and recipes to her weekly live chats on Table Talk.

Table Talk with Kim O'Donnel - Feb. 25, 2010

(02/25/2010)

  

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9:46	Kim ODonnel:  The state of our waistlines -- that's the topic du jour, with special guest Eddie Gehman Kohan, editor of Obamafoodorama. Join us at the top of the hour! Thursday February 25, 2010 9:46 Kim ODonnel

10:05

Kim ODonnel:  Hello! Glad to be here after a week off & catch up. There's so much going on in the news about where we are as a country with regards to our physical health and well being. You have heard about First Lady Michelle Obama's new initiative, Let's Move, a nationwide program designed to take on childhood obesity which has reached epidemic levels. I've invited Eddie Gehman Kohan, editor of Obamafoodorama, to join the conversation, as she follows closely what's happening at 1600 Pennsylvania, with regards to food & food policy. all questions are fair game; let's roll! Thursday February 25, 2010 10:05 Kim ODonnel

10:06

[Comment From Lizka Lizka : ]  Great topic! So looking forward to hear what the wonderful contributors here have to say. Thursday February 25, 2010 10:06 Lizka

10:06

[Comment From Michelle (Whats Cooking) Michelle (Whats Cooking) : ]  Excited to participate! I teach cooking classes to children, and this is a really big issue that I am proud to work on. Thursday February 25, 2010 10:06 Michelle (Whats Cooking)

10:07

Kim ODonnel:  Michelle, tell us more about the classes -- where they are and how people can find you. Thursday February 25, 2010 10:07 Kim ODonnel

10:07

[Comment From Linear Girl Linear Girl : ]  It's a good topic. I'm glad that Ms. Obama called it "Let's Move" because I think our lifestyles contribute to our obesity even more than what we eat (though that matters, of course). Thursday February 25, 2010 10:07 Linear Girl

10:08

Obama Foodorama:  The second phase of Let's Move launches next month, and it will lay out even more of the fitness components, in same way the food side has multiple components. Thursday February 25, 2010 10:08 Obama Foodorama

10:08

[Comment From Michelle (Whats Cooking) Michelle (Whats Cooking) : ]  Thanks Kim! I teach cooking classes to kids in the san francisco bay area (www.whatscooking.info). We are in 8 after school programs and I also do classes in the homes of clients Thursday February 25, 2010 10:08 Michelle (Whats Cooking)

10:09

[Comment From Michelle (Whats Cooking) Michelle (Whats Cooking) : ]  I also do lots of philanthropic events that involve kids cooking for the less fortunate (Share our Strength is a favorite of mine) Thursday February 25, 2010 10:09 Michelle (Whats Cooking)

10:09

[Comment From Lizka Lizka : ]  I completely agree with you, Linear. Thursday February 25, 2010 10:09 Lizka

10:10

Obama Foodorama:  Michelle, you are doing exactly what is necessary to turn the obesity epidemic around. Kids cooking is a favorite White House initiative. Thursday February 25, 2010 10:10 Obama Foodorama

10:10

Kim ODonnel:  Yes, Let's Move is a smart name for this inititative, as it feels motivating, both from physical body perspective as well as in the kitchen. Because after all, we do need to move in the kitchen,no? That's me being hopeful that Let's Move will include cooking classes! Thursday February 25, 2010 10:10 Kim ODonnel

10:10

[Comment From Erin Erin : ]  This is a wonderful topic! So, here is the big question: how, how HOW do we get the message out there to consumers that cheap food is *not* the answer? So often, I've come across the "why should I buy a $4 loaf of bread, when these are only .99, and for more?" (and that was coming from a college-educated and well employed individual) Food - what we nourish our bodies with - is as important as how we take care of our bodies (exercise). Thursday February 25, 2010 10:10 Erin

10:12

Kim ODonnel:  Hey Erin -- such a poignant, spot-on question. Food needs to be regarded as an investment in one's health. That piece has been lost for a very long time, and it shoudl be a right, not a privilege. Thursday February 25, 2010 10:12 Kim ODonnel

10:12

[Comment From Michelle (Whats Cooking) Michelle (Whats Cooking) : ]  Hurray! I'd love to help... Michelle would like my kids cooking piece, and her hubby would like the community service piece :-) Thursday February 25, 2010 10:12 Michelle (Whats Cooking)

10:12

[Comment From SuziQ SuziQ : ]  I think we need to cut back on the empty junk calories as well as move more.....I hope this new program addresses school lunches. Thursday February 25, 2010 10:12 SuziQ

10:12

Obama Foodorama:  There's a big move to get nutrition education in schools, as well as to get schools to voluntarily incorporate cooking in the curriculum. There's good focus on kids cooking from Karen Duncan and Christie Vislack, spouses (respectively) of the Ag Secretary and education Secretary. They just became honorary co-chairs of Healthy Schools Campaign's Cooking For Change, which is all about inspiring kids to cook as well as improving school lunches. Thursday February 25, 2010 10:12 Obama Foodorama

10:13

[Comment From redweather redweather : ]  Erin - so true. i had never thought much about the cheap food issue until i saw Food Inc. - now i think about it all the time. Thursday February 25, 2010 10:13 redweather

10:14

Kim C.:  I like too how part of Let's Move is educating parents, many of whom lost out on food lessons over the last couple of decades. Thursday February 25, 2010 10:14 Kim C.

10:14

Kim ODonnel:  Don't know if you guys know this, but Food Inc has been nominated for an Oscar, a sign of the times, -- wouldn't it be cool if it won?? Thursday February 25, 2010 10:14 Kim ODonnel

10:14

[Comment From David David : ]  The greatest thing about Mrs. Obama's initiative is that she is an example, she is living it. I see so many campaign that have spoke persons that don't live what they are preaching. Practice what you preach Thursday February 25, 2010 10:14 David

10:15

Obama Foodorama:  Revamping the federal school feeding programs is a big part of Let's Move. Here are all the components and commitments of the campaign: http://tinyurl.com/yk5a8ej Thursday February 25, 2010 10:15 Obama Foodorama

10:16

Kim ODonnel:  The thing I like about her approach is that she's not saying all or nothing, that moderation is the key to living a healthy life -- and that really resonates with me. I just finished writing a cookbook --meatless recipes for meat lovers -- that helps meat lovers take a break from meat -- and that is how i live -- love my chicken but know first hand how important balance is. Thursday February 25, 2010 10:16 Kim ODonnel

10:16

[Comment From Lizka Lizka : ]  I'm sure there are a lot of articles out there, but where is the best place to get a complete list of what initiatives are included in "Let's Move"? There's a website, right? Thursday February 25, 2010 10:16 Lizka

10:17

Kim ODonnel:  Lizka, see link above just posted by Eddie. Thursday February 25, 2010 10:17 Kim ODonnel

10:17

[Comment From Norma Norma : ]  Because of Food, Inc., I found out about what was in my burgers and haven't set food in any of those fast-food establishments again. I think it's important to teach everyone, especially children, what's in the food we eat. How can we get schools to cooperate with this effort? Thursday February 25, 2010 10:17 Norma

10:17

Obama Foodorama:  Let's Move is trying to address making health food affordable & accesible, with the Healthy Food Financing Initiative, a public-private fund to build markets in underserved communities. Thursday February 25, 2010 10:17 Obama Foodorama

10:18

Kim ODonnel:  Norma, have you thought about volunteering in your local schools? Thursday February 25, 2010 10:18 Kim ODonnel

10:18

[Comment From Michelle (Whats Cooking) Michelle (Whats Cooking) : ]  Eddie - what do you say about @cheffann's comments that the new $ for school lunch won't even cover the cost of an apple for every student? Thursday February 25, 2010 10:18 Michelle (Whats Cooking)

10:18

[Comment From SuziQ SuziQ : ]  What a blessing it would be if this obesity problem could be turned around.... It would be the single most important thing the First Lady could do for America Thursday February 25, 2010 10:18 SuziQ

10:19

[Comment From Erin Erin : ]  Slow Food also has a nutritional education component for school lunches. Last year they hosted a country-wide "eat in" for better foods to be served. I think that they'll be doing it again this year. What bothers me most is - and I live in a predominantly agricultural area - wouldn't t make sense to incorporate the local food-shed into the schools, in lieu of the big, frozen meals that are served? Again, we're getting back to economy: schools' budgets are slashed and they have pennies to use for food; however, working hand in hand with local sources would help all around, right? Thursday February 25, 2010 10:19 Erin

10:20

Obama Foodorama:  Michelle: It's true what Chef Ann has said about the no new funding. But the White House has held public cooking demonstrations using foods available in federal feeding programs to demonstrate that with existing budget, it's possible to give kids healthy meals. Thursday February 25, 2010 10:20 Obama Foodorama

10:20

[Comment From Michelle (Whats Cooking) Michelle (Whats Cooking) : ]  but there is a fine line in the reality of "good food" being accessible and affordable to many people Thursday February 25, 2010 10:20 Michelle (Whats Cooking)

10:21

[Comment From Linear Girl Linear Girl : ]  Erin - That's a huge questions and I think instead of trying to solve it directly we have to approach it obliquely and hope that our efforts result in people valuing food more, in general. We can't convince people that lowest price doesn't mean best value (it's a WalMart world after all). If we educate about nutrition and improved lifestyle and how to achieve those things, and if we're successful in our education, then it's almost impossible *not* to start valuing local, nutritionally dense, healthy food. Thursday February 25, 2010 10:21 Linear Girl

10:22

[Comment From Michelle (Whats Cooking) Michelle (Whats Cooking) : ]  Erin - some of these issues could easily be addressed if families spent more time in the kitchen. It is inexpensive to make your own bread, for example...plus you control the ingredients Thursday February 25, 2010 10:22 Michelle (Whats Cooking)

10:22

[Comment From Norma Norma : ]  It's so hard to make informed decisions when we don't really know what's in our food or where it comes from. Does the "Let's Move" campaign address this issue? Thursday February 25, 2010 10:22 Norma

10:22

[Comment From Linear Girl Linear Girl : ]  I realized my sister and her husband were great parents the day my 6 year old nephew saw a cooking class sign at the mall. His response was "Who needs a class to learn how to cook?" He's been helping in the kitchen his entire life and it never occurred to him that anyone else's life would be different. Thursday February 25, 2010 10:22 Linear Girl

10:22

[Comment From Norma Norma : ]  I had never thought of that suggestion, seeing how I don't have kids and didn't think there was much opportunity for me. What kind of work can I do at the local school systems to support the "Let's Move" Campaign? Thursday February 25, 2010 10:22 Norma

10:23

Kim ODonnel:  Norma, where are you located? We've got some ideas for you. Hang on just a sec... Thursday February 25, 2010 10:23 Kim ODonnel

10:23

[Comment From Michelle (Whats Cooking) Michelle (Whats Cooking) : ]  in our area, some schools participate in a "gleaning" program where they have volunteers go to farms and get the extra produce for the schools. Our district serves slop, so they don't participate. Yet. I am working on that ;-) We have a task force meeting next week. Thursday February 25, 2010 10:23 Michelle (Whats Cooking)

10:24

[Comment From Colleen @ FoodieTots Colleen @ FoodieTots : ]  Hi Kim & Eddie -- any thoughts on the Grist article about Let's Move's reliance on the food industry to voluntarily participate, ignoring the marketing $ they put behind unhealthy food? Thursday February 25, 2010 10:24 Colleen @ FoodieTots

10:24

Obama Foodorama:  Erin: Slow Food has now entered a consortium with Chef ann, Healthy Schools Campaign, Roots of Change, and National Farm to School Program to advocate for better school lunches. All these groups do advocacy and education in schools. Also, yes, the theory about local is that it's less expensive, because transport costs are cut, etc. The White House is trying to get people interested in year-round gardening, for schools and home; they installed winter-proof hoop houses in the White House Kitchen Garden grows year round. USDA instituted a pilot study in these, too. Thursday February 25, 2010 10:24 Obama Foodorama

10:24

[Comment From Norma Norma : ]  I work in downtown DC and live in Northern Virginia. Thanks for any suggestions! Thursday February 25, 2010 10:24 Norma

10:25

[Comment From Linear Girl Linear Girl : ]  The other thing I like about Ms. Obama's approach is that she doesn't vilify food, but tries to encourage healthy choices, just as she does with her garden. I brought bagels to work today and I just overheard a conversation about carbs, blood sugar, diabetes and weight. I don't think there'e anything wrong with eating a bagel (or pasta or . . .) but there is something wrong with sitting at a desk all day and loading up on carbs. Food is not the enemy and while I like my job, sometimes I view the computer and desk as my enemies. I just want more action in my life so I can keep enjoying my carbs! Thursday February 25, 2010 10:25 Linear Girl

10:26

Kim ODonnel:  Great point, Linear Girl. Look, we're under no illusion that Mrs. Obama leads quite the charmed life, but she's getting out there and talking to regular folks and speaking very plainly about the very simple things we can do to make small, incremental changes to better our health and well being. Thursday February 25, 2010 10:26 Kim ODonnel

10:27

[Comment From Girl Scout Mom Girl Scout Mom : ]  I think the main obsticle to healthy eating is that the "bad" food is so easy to get and usually tastier, too. If there were easy to get, reasonably priced healthy food that didn't make you feel like you were missing all the fun, that would do it. At least for me! Thursday February 25, 2010 10:27 Girl Scout Mom

10:29

Obama Foodorama:  Colleen: Haven't read the article yet, but know the folks at Grist. Here's the thing about the major food industry players: They have the money, and they have the capacity, and they have the infrastructure. They're good partners, and they're not vanishing out of our world any time soon. What not encourage them to help? If they're willing to voluntarily change their offerings, that's fantastic. Mrs. Obama, Sec. Sebelius, and many other people in Obama admin have publicly spoken about negative impact of advertising junk food to kids. Food cos will get the message even more strongly, however, if parents---regular citizens--speak out. Thursday February 25, 2010 10:29 Obama Foodorama

10:30

Kim ODonnel:  You're so right, Girl Scout Mom. The access to good, nutritious food is improving, but not quickly enough. There are currently 4,900 farmers' markets around the country, more than double what it was just 10 years ago -- and every year, more markets are accepting WIC and SNAP vouchers that can be used to buy fresh, local in season produce. That's a big step, but as I said, so much more needs to be done. Thursday February 25, 2010 10:30 Kim ODonnel

10:30

[Comment From Danielle - Portland, OR Danielle - Portland, OR : ]  I was at a meeting for a community garden for a local school that I'm involved with and I asked what types food they serve for lunches, and she gave me corn dogs and mozzarella sticks for an example. I was flabbergasted. There's got to be an equally cheap healthier choice to provide the kids? Thursday February 25, 2010 10:30 Danielle - Portland, OR

10:31

Kim ODonnel:  Absolutely, Danielle. Beans are one of the cheapest proteins out there. Thursday February 25, 2010 10:31 Kim ODonnel

10:31

[Comment From David David : ]  I ask all the time, is the the 3 or 4 seconds of gratification on our tongue worth the 10-15 years off our lives....we are eating for all the wrong reasons Thursday February 25, 2010 10:31 David

10:31

[Comment From redweather redweather : ]  Norma - when my brother and I went off to college, my mom created gardening program at a local elementary school (which none of us had attended). those kids had never touched the dirt before she got there. many schools have readymade programs you could join, but i'm sure many of the ones that don't would heartily welcome an afterschool program of your design. Thursday February 25, 2010 10:31 redweather

10:33

Kim ODonnel:  Eddie just had a really simple but effective brainstorm: What about teaching arts & crafts lesson that has a food component? What about planting seeds in a paper cup, for kids to watch grow & then transfer to a larger pot or bed? Sometimes the simplest things are the most powerful. Thursday February 25, 2010 10:33 Kim ODonnel

10:33

[Comment From Michelle (Whats Cooking) Michelle (Whats Cooking) : ]  I am interested to see how Jamie Oliver's new tv show works out - it might be a great eye opener, if people watch it. But I wonder if the people who need to see it most will even bother. Thursday February 25, 2010 10:33 Michelle (Whats Cooking)

10:35

Obama Foodorama:  Girl Scout Mom: You've hit the point exactly. Our food environment is swamped with bad offerings. But healthy food can be fun, and delicious. Danielle, and everyone else: There are many kid friendly recipes on Obama Foodorama from the White House--that are all delish. Here's a link to a post that has three yummy recipes: http://tinyurl.com/ygstfp6 & more on the blog Thursday February 25, 2010 10:35 Obama Foodorama

10:35

Kim ODonnel:  I'm not a big fan of reality shows in general, but I admit I will be watching to see how this pans out. Personally, I have issues with programming that focuses on obese people, as they're often characterized as circus sideshows. I hope a human element is brought to the show. Thursday February 25, 2010 10:35 Kim ODonnel

10:35

Obama Foodorama:  Agree with Kim completely about reality shows focusing on obese people. Thursday February 25, 2010 10:35 Obama Foodorama

10:35

[Comment From Colleen @ FoodieTots Colleen @ FoodieTots : ]  (to Norma -- a DC Farm-to-School network launched last year -- see the website for volunteer opps: http://dcfarmtoschool.org/) Thursday February 25, 2010 10:35 Colleen @ FoodieTots

10:35

Kim ODonnel:  Thank you, Colleen! Excellent info. Thursday February 25, 2010 10:35 Kim ODonnel

10:35

[Comment From Linear Girl Linear Girl : ]  David - Yes!!!! I just lost a very close friend who was only 56 to obesity. I can say that with confidence because although he was about 6'4", he weighed over 500 pounds when he died. Thursday February 25, 2010 10:35 Linear Girl

10:35

[Comment From Danielle - Portland, OR Danielle - Portland, OR : ]  What is Jamie Oliver's new show about? I don't get cable, so I miss all the cool food networks shows. Thursday February 25, 2010 10:35 Danielle - Portland, OR

10:36

[Comment From Michelle (Whats Cooking) Michelle (Whats Cooking) : ]  There are also simple cooking activities that can be done in the classroom. Most of our classes at schools are done w/o a proper kitchen. It's amazing how much can be done with an electric skillet etc. Or even "cooking" w/o heat - manipulating ingredients, like thai spring rolls. Thursday February 25, 2010 10:36 Michelle (Whats Cooking)

10:36

[Comment From Danielle - Portland, OR Danielle - Portland, OR : ]  Exactly, I can never bring myself to watch Biggest Loser, but I do like to see the finale to see the end results, that always makes me happy. Thursday February 25, 2010 10:36 Danielle - Portland, OR

10:36

[Comment From redweather redweather : ]  Yes, Girl Scout Mom - not eating meat (for one thing) has taken a lot of joy out of company potlucks, eating at friend's houses, etc, however we need to reorient our thinking of what is "tasty" vs. what is addictive, and what is "fun" vs what is right/healthy/wise. Thursday February 25, 2010 10:36 redweather

10:37

Obama Foodorama:  Oliver's show is upcoming on ABC, and its called "Food Revolution." He sweeps into a West VA town with a high rate of obesity, and tries to get the entire town to go healthy by teaching cooking, encouraging better school foods, etc. Thursday February 25, 2010 10:37 Obama Foodorama

10:37

Kim ODonnel:  Oh, and it premieres March 26. Thursday February 25, 2010 10:37 Kim ODonnel

10:37

Kim C.:  Here's the trailer for Jamie Oliver's new show: http://www.tv.com/video/33755/Jame%20Olivers%20Food%20Revolution%20-%20Premiere%20-%20Clip%20One?o=tv&tag=container;show_videos Thursday February 25, 2010 10:37 Kim C.

10:38

Obama Foodorama:  Oliver has also launched a US child onbesity campaign that seems to be a shadow version of Mrs. Obama's--but he's lsimultaneosuly obbying the President and Mrs. Obama to change Let's Move. Thursday February 25, 2010 10:38 Obama Foodorama

10:38

Kim ODonnel:  Redweather, one of the biggest revelations that I had while developing recipes for my book is that meatless food can be really delicious and really satisfying. As a culture, we lost touch with that notion, and now we're going through that re-learning process. Good food -- just doesn't happen to have meat in it! Thursday February 25, 2010 10:38 Kim ODonnel

10:38

[Comment From Danielle - Portland, OR Danielle - Portland, OR : ]  Exactly! So how do we get them to change? I know nothing about who plans/regulates what the kids eat. Is that at the state level? Thursday February 25, 2010 10:38 Danielle - Portland, OR

10:38

Obama Foodorama:  I've cooked Kim's recipes! Yum! Thursday February 25, 2010 10:38 Obama Foodorama

10:39

[Comment From Erin Erin : ]  (Michele, sometimes I feel like I live in the kitchen - you should see the rest of my house.) I absolutely agree that families spending time in the kitchen is the place to start, but a lot of families don't have an at-home parent (which helps enormously). Meal times have become issues of convenience, both in product (prepared items), cost, and TIME. The thing that brought it home for me in a speech Jamie Oliver delivered to TED, was that some children are now second and third generation non-cookers because their meal-model is - literally - pull it out of the FoodClub freezerbag and heat it up. It blows my mind; I'm very grateful that I had a (working) parent who did cook, and who took the time to show me, too. It is something that I will definitely pass on. Thursday February 25, 2010 10:39 Erin

10:39

Obama Foodorama:  School food regulations are a combo of state and local, depending on what state you live in. Thursday February 25, 2010 10:39 Obama Foodorama

10:40

[Comment From Michelle (Whats Cooking) Michelle (Whats Cooking) : ]  When Jamie Oliver accepted his TED award, there was definitely a human component. It was very emotional and he really connected to the people in that community. Thursday February 25, 2010 10:40 Michelle (Whats Cooking)

10:40

[Comment From David David : ]  Gardens are great! Involving the kids is ownership & they are then more likely to try unfamiliar food. In one of my programs, I have students growing basil in cups to later incorporate THEIR basil in a (12 different) roasted vegetable medley. Yes 12 vegetables & having no problem with the kids eating all of them. Thursday February 25, 2010 10:40 David

10:40

Kim C.:  Eddie, how does Oliver want to change Let's Move? Thursday February 25, 2010 10:40 Kim C.

10:40

Kim ODonnel:  David, where are you based? Would love to know more about your program. Thursday February 25, 2010 10:40 Kim ODonnel

10:41

[Comment From Danielle - Portland, OR Danielle - Portland, OR : ]  thanks kim! Maybe Jamie's show is on hulu and I can catch it there. :) Thursday February 25, 2010 10:41 Danielle - Portland, OR

10:41

Obama Foodorama:  Just for some perspective, Jamie Oliver was running a child obesity campaign in the UK, as well as a school lunch campaign, and he's abandoned both, though incomplete, to come conquer America. i wonder, why? Thursday February 25, 2010 10:41 Obama Foodorama

10:41

Kim ODonnel:  Danielle, as an ABC show, I'm sure it will be availabie on hulu. Thursday February 25, 2010 10:41 Kim ODonnel

10:42

[Comment From David David : ]  In Mississippi, the most obese state now 4 years in a row. Motivating but also depressing at the same time Thursday February 25, 2010 10:42 David

10:43

[Comment From Michelle (Whats Cooking) Michelle (Whats Cooking) : ]  But didn't he change school lunch in England? I thought that was successful? Thursday February 25, 2010 10:43 Michelle (Whats Cooking)

10:43

[Comment From Michelle (Whats Cooking) Michelle (Whats Cooking) : ]  Thanks Erin - you are right. I am dealing with the school lunch issue right now and many parents were buying the hot lunch because of convenience...until they saw what it actually was! Some do, either way due to lack of time. Thursday February 25, 2010 10:43 Michelle (Whats Cooking)

10:43

[Comment From Danielle - Portland, OR Danielle - Portland, OR : ]  Michelle, I'd love to hear more about the cooking activities in the classroom sans kitchen. I'm going to be volunteering with a school here for community gardening but really want to incorporate a cooking component Thursday February 25, 2010 10:43 Danielle - Portland, OR

10:43

Obama Foodorama:  Mrs. Obama is visiting Mississippi next week, and bringing Let's Move there in person, according to this AM's White House guidance. Thursday February 25, 2010 10:43 Obama Foodorama

10:45

Kim ODonnel:  I love hearing about all these grassroots efforts around the country from you guys. I would love to feature your work at some point. Please keep me posted, and I'm going to brainstorm a way to get the word out about the work you are doing. Thursday February 25, 2010 10:45 Kim ODonnel

10:45

[Comment From Michelle (Whats Cooking) Michelle (Whats Cooking) : ]  I'd love to help you, Danielle. I have lots of ideas! Thursday February 25, 2010 10:45 Michelle (Whats Cooking)

10:45

[Comment From David David : ]  Really, do you know where and when she is coming? Thursday February 25, 2010 10:45 David

10:45

Kim ODonnel:  Stand by, David! We're trying to find out for you... Thursday February 25, 2010 10:45 Kim ODonnel

10:45

Obama Foodorama:  Michelle: After a big investment from UK state in better school lunches, Oliver has now gone on the record in NY Times that the program is failing because 1) Kids are going off campus to eat junk at the local chipperies, and 2) School food personnel weren't trained adequately and 3) Some school districts didn't want to participate. Thursday February 25, 2010 10:45 Obama Foodorama

10:45

[Comment From Michelle (Whats Cooking) Michelle (Whats Cooking) : ]  David - are you a teacher? Thursday February 25, 2010 10:45 Michelle (Whats Cooking)

10:46

[Comment From Girl Scout Mom Girl Scout Mom : ]  School lunches are bad, but for most kids, they're still only 1/3 of the food they eat. Thursday February 25, 2010 10:46 Girl Scout Mom

10:47

Obama Foodorama:  From East Wing: Wednesday, March 3rd: The First Lady will travel to Jackson, Mississippi and be joined by Governor Haley Barbour and Mississippi First Lady Marsha Barbour at a local school to discuss ways to promote healthy schools as part of the recently launched Let's Move! Campaign. One prong of the initiative focuses on promoting healthy eating, nutrition education, and physical activity in schools - all elements of the USDA's Healthier US School Challenge program. The First Lady will visit an elementary school and hear from officials and experts about state and local efforts to combat childhood obesity. Media coverage details will be announced next week. Thursday February 25, 2010 10:47 Obama Foodorama

10:48

[Comment From Michelle (Whats Cooking) Michelle (Whats Cooking) : ]  Girl Scout Mom - I think you'd be surprised at how many kids around the country rely on their school meal as their only meal of the day. Thursday February 25, 2010 10:48 Michelle (Whats Cooking)

10:48

[Comment From Michelle (Whats Cooking) Michelle (Whats Cooking) : ]  Danielle - here are a few ideas from my blog. They say they are for toddlers because I did them with some young kids. But don't be fooled - they were all done in rooms w/o a kitchen: http://whatscookingblog.com/?s=toddler Thursday February 25, 2010 10:48 Michelle (Whats Cooking)

10:48

[Comment From Colleen @ FoodieTots Colleen @ FoodieTots : ]  Has anyone seen any follow-up on Baltimore schools adopting meatless monday? I know they said they cut costs by switching to beans/cheese one day a week, just curious how effective it's been with the kids. Thursday February 25, 2010 10:48 Colleen @ FoodieTots

10:49

Obama Foodorama:  On kids school meals: USDA identifies almost 2/3rds of kids in federal nutrition program as getting most of theiir daily food intake from school nutrition programs. USDA seeking expansion of school breakfast programs and afternoon snack programs and summer feeding programs for most at-need children Thursday February 25, 2010 10:49 Obama Foodorama

10:50

Kim ODonnel:  I don't have numbers, Colleen, but I've heard reports that the meatless day has become the most popular day in the cafeteria, because it's a refreshing change from the same ole lineup. Just this week, New York City Departmentn of Education has announced that is reviewing a propsal for a similar initiative in public schools. It's catching on! Thursday February 25, 2010 10:50 Kim ODonnel

10:50

[Comment From Michelle (Whats Cooking) Michelle (Whats Cooking) : ]  Here are some stats from the Share our Strength website on childhood hunger: http://strength.org/childhood_hunger/hunger_facts/ Thursday February 25, 2010 10:50 Michelle (Whats Cooking)

10:50

[Comment From Girl Scout Mom Girl Scout Mom : ]  Michelle, if the school lunch is the only meal--and I understand for some kids that's true-- are we doing them a favor to cut calories? Or is the point increasing nutrition without cutting them? Thursday February 25, 2010 10:50 Girl Scout Mom

10:51

[Comment From David David : ]  I'm not, I'm a chef by trade that specializes in fruit and vegetable carving. I use it as my attention getter to deliver the message to kids. Thursday February 25, 2010 10:51 David

10:51

[Comment From Linear Girl Linear Girl : ]  David - I'm curious about regional obesity. We've got family in Kentucky, all of whom are obese, and I've never really thought about a region or state having greater obesity (my parochialism I guess). What do you think contributes to it? Is it easier or harder to change habits when you're working on whole communities? what steps have you seen work or help? Thursday February 25, 2010 10:51 Linear Girl

10:51

[Comment From Danielle - Portland, OR Danielle - Portland, OR : ]  Thanks Michelle, I'll check that out! Thursday February 25, 2010 10:51 Danielle - Portland, OR

10:52

[Comment From Michelle (Whats Cooking) Michelle (Whats Cooking) : ]  It's not about the calories - it's about the nutrition they contain. Soda has a zillion calories, but they are empty and don't do anything for productive development. It's about reducing processed foods and giving them adequate ingredients to grow and learn. Thursday February 25, 2010 10:52 Michelle (Whats Cooking)

10:52

Obama Foodorama:  The aim of school lunch revamp is not to cut calories in general, but to have calories come from fresh fruits and veg, whole grains, low fat dairy, lean emats. Move away from fried, salt, sugar, chemicals. Portion size however, has long been open to interpretation, and so setting portion sizes and posting calorie counts/nutrition info on school websites is part of info goals of USDA/Let's Move Thursday February 25, 2010 10:52 Obama Foodorama

10:53

Obama Foodorama:  Sorry for spelling errors! Thursday February 25, 2010 10:53 Obama Foodorama

10:53

Kim ODonnel:  We're pulling up a link to numbers about food insecurity as it relates to children. Hang on: Thursday February 25, 2010 10:53 Kim ODonnel

10:53

[Comment From Colleen @ FoodieTots Colleen @ FoodieTots : ]  Kim - that's great! I know it gives the commodity meat producers heartburn, but it's great to see schools given more (healthy) options. Hope it continues to catch on. Thursday February 25, 2010 10:53 Colleen @ FoodieTots

10:54

Obama Foodorama:  USDA's 2008 Household Food Security report is here http://tinyurl.com/yzrgpyk Thursday February 25, 2010 10:54 Obama Foodorama

10:55

Kim ODonnel:  Colleen, again, this is another example of how incremental shifts can have a huge impact. I am such a fan of the once-weekly behavioral changes. They usually stick rather than feel like a trend. Thursday February 25, 2010 10:55 Kim ODonnel

10:55

[Comment From David David : ]  It has to do with people not being educated. For people to eat properly, they have to be taught to eat properly. So it all has to do with educating and teaching the young kids which is our future Thursday February 25, 2010 10:55 David

10:55

Obama Foodorama:  David--exactly! people need to learn how to eat! Thursday February 25, 2010 10:55 Obama Foodorama

10:56

Kim ODonnel:  Thank you for saying this, David. It's one thing to talk, it's another thing to walk! Thursday February 25, 2010 10:56 Kim ODonnel

10:56

[Comment From Michelle (Whats Cooking) Michelle (Whats Cooking) : ]  It's hard to teach people how to eat without seeming holier-than-thou, though :-) Thursday February 25, 2010 10:56 Michelle (Whats Cooking)

10:56

Obama Foodorama:  Why? Thursday February 25, 2010 10:56 Obama Foodorama

10:57

Kim ODonnel:  I respectfully disagree. Why do you think so? Cooking is the medium through which we can teach people how to eat. How is that holier than thou? Thursday February 25, 2010 10:57 Kim ODonnel

10:57

[Comment From Michelle (Whats Cooking) Michelle (Whats Cooking) : ]  I think it is one thing to show people how yummy it is to eat right, and another to tell them why they are doing it wrong :-) Thursday February 25, 2010 10:57 Michelle (Whats Cooking)

10:58

Kim ODonnel:  Why do you have to focus on the negative when teaching? If we show folks one small thing and not worry about the rest, eventually there's catch up & no need to ever say they're doing it wrong or right. Just doing it. Thursday February 25, 2010 10:58 Kim ODonnel

10:58

[Comment From Girl Scout Mom Girl Scout Mom : ]  In general, people don't like to be told what to do. I don't buy much soda, but I wouldn't like being told I couldn't or a soda tax. Thursday February 25, 2010 10:58 Girl Scout Mom

10:59

[Comment From Michelle (Whats Cooking) Michelle (Whats Cooking) : ]  I teach people how to cook with their kids and teach kids how to cook. As long as we make it fun a and delicious, they love it and participate. But some parents don't like to be told that they aren't doing what is best for their kids. Thursday February 25, 2010 10:59 Michelle (Whats Cooking)

10:59

[Comment From Michelle (Whats Cooking) Michelle (Whats Cooking) : ]  I don't focus on the negative, I do the opposite. But I think about Jamie Oliver's show, which shows how people are harming their kids - some people will find that off-putting. Thursday February 25, 2010 10:59 Michelle (Whats Cooking)

11:00

Kim ODonnel:  I think you're right, Michelle. It will be very interesting to see how this program unfolds and what the public reaction will be. Thursday February 25, 2010 11:00 Kim ODonnel

11:00

[Comment From David David : ]  With fruit and vegetable carving I get kids to think outside the box at their food. You see broccoli, I see a tree. Making fruit and vegetables fun. Because we don't have a problem with kids eating chicken nuggets, we have a problem with them eating broccoli Thursday February 25, 2010 11:00 David

11:00

Obama Foodorama:  Food and what to eat is a very personal issue, you're right. You're raising the oldest American issue, too: Freedom to be unencumbered by the advice of our fellow citizens. God Bless America! Thursday February 25, 2010 11:00 Obama Foodorama

11:00

[Comment From jen maiser jen maiser : ]  I find that it takes a light touch -- showing through example, and being patient. People learn in increments, and things that you think will never get through finally do because they see the light, so to speak, eventually. Just my experience. But I don't beat people over the head with "shoulds" and "shouldn'ts" unless they ask. Thursday February 25, 2010 11:00 jen maiser

11:01

Kim ODonnel:  Jen, thanks for weighing in! Thursday February 25, 2010 11:01 Kim ODonnel

11:01

[Comment From Michelle (Whats Cooking) Michelle (Whats Cooking) : ]  Great point, Jen. But it IS easy to convince people to eat certain healthy foods when they learn how delicious they are and easy to prepare Thursday February 25, 2010 11:01 Michelle (Whats Cooking)

11:01

[Comment From Danielle - Portland, OR Danielle - Portland, OR : ]  Exactly, these reality shows are making a spectacle of these people, and who wants that? People want ideas on how to improve, not to feel bad about themselves. Thursday February 25, 2010 11:01 Danielle - Portland, OR

11:02

[Comment From David David : ]  I make them aware without pointing a finger and allow my passion to motivate and make them to want to follow me Thursday February 25, 2010 11:02 David

11:02

[Comment From jen maiser jen maiser : ]  weighing in, ha ha ha!!! Thursday February 25, 2010 11:02 jen maiser

11:03

[Comment From Michelle (Whats Cooking) Michelle (Whats Cooking) : ]  Awesome approach, David. I am passionate about it too - the kids and their families find it contagious. Thursday February 25, 2010 11:03 Michelle (Whats Cooking)

11:05

Kim ODonnel:  What a great discussion. Thank you all for your passion and curiosity on this very important issue that is not going away anytime soon. You can find Eddie's work at www.obamafoodorama.com & on twitter: @obamafoodorama and you can find me there too: @kimodonnel A big thanks to Eddie Gehman Kohan for taking time to chat with us & to keep this conversation alive here and offline. Maybe we'll do this again later in the spring? Meanwhile, keep the spirit of cooking alive! Talk to you all next Thursday, March 4. Bye! Thursday February 25, 2010 11:05 Kim ODonnel

11:06

Obama Foodorama:  Thanks everyone, and thank you Kim! Great chatting with you! Thursday February 25, 2010 11:06 Obama Foodorama