Do you know what is perhaps the most pressing children’s problem in America and in many other western countries?

• It’s NOT illiteracy.
• It’s NOT violence in schools.
• It’s NOT even child abuse.

It’s the simple issue of FOOD. Having enough of it, in proper quality and consumed right.

As Matt Damon quipped in his now famous Entourage cameo:

“One out of six American kids are FOOD INSECURE.

Do you even know what that means…?

So send me a check Vince. Today. Make it a big one.”

All parody and hijinks aside though, poor economy turning into poor nutrition is serious business!

And there’s plenty more to it than just shortage of food. There’s life-threatening obesity, poor food at schools, and layers upon layers of just ignorance about nutrition for our young.

The 2010 TED prize winner, celebrity cook and long-time campaigner for better food in schools… UK’s top chef Jamie Oliver lays it all out in this fantastic presentation.

Here’s his plea:

“I wish for everyone to help create
a strong, sustainable movement
to educate every child about food,
inspire families to cook again, and
empower people everywhere
to fight obesity.”

So just set aside 20 minutes and watch this.

Trust me, it’s what you want to be bringing up at the next dinner party! THE talk of the moment…

Jamie Oliver, top chef and TED 2010 prize winner talks about kids and food.

Jamie Oliver at TED: Teach Every Child About Food

In his speech, Jamie Oliver was actually also endorsing another prominent person’s efforts to help fight childhood obesity. Guess who that person is?

Also working on these issues is U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama, starting up a White House campaign to eradicate obesity. By introducing healthier school food, accessible and affordable healthy food, physical activity and by helping kids make healthier choices in life.

Let’s Move has an ambitious but important goal: to solve the epidemic of childhood obesity within a generation.

Click below to see a video with Michelle Obama explaining the ins and outs of it.

The First Lady in her White House back yard garden.

Let’s Move - White House - Michelle Obama

So while the First Lady is growing organic produce in the White House back yard and educating the nation about healthy living, it’s up to the rest of us to keep spreading the message.

Online, word of mouth, any which way we can.

We hope this serious issue didn’t put you off, but this issue was just too important not to mention on this blog.

If you liked the two outstanding clips above, and believe in the information and the initiatives set forth… do spread the word andtell your friends and family.

So don’t be shy, push that Retweet button up there!

Here’s to the bright, bright future of your kids!

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