Join the Food Revolution on May 19

By Andrea L. Krakower, M.S., Scripps Health

Mark your calendars: There’s a revolution brewing, and on Saturday, May 19, you can get a taste of it.

Food Revolution Day is the brainchild of chef, author and TV food personality Jamie Oliver, known by many as “The Naked Chef” due to the simplicity of his recipes and campaigns against processed foods. According to the Food Revolution Day website, obesity has more than doubled worldwide since 1980. Forty-two million children under five are already obese, and at least 2.8 million adults around the world die each year as a result of being overweight or obese. Oliver, who strives to bring healthier eating to communities, schools and homes across America and his native U.K., describes Food Revolution Day as “a global day of action for people to think about where their food comes from and get back into their kitchens.”

This starts with encouraging people to cook from scratch with healthy, locally sourced ingredients. On May 19, people around the world are invited to come together to share information, talents and resources and to inspire positive changes in the way we eat. Food Revolution Day encourages people to connect through various community events to promote the mission for healthier food. Food Revolution Day events will focus on locally sourced, fresh food and the need for improved food education; there are already more than 200 events planned in more than 140 cities worldwide.

Visit the website to find events near you or for more information on Food Revolution Day, visit the website at www.foodrevolutionday.com.