Teaching about Food

I don’t know much about Jamie Oliver. I’ve seen commercials for his show, but never watched, and wasn’t sure what to think. However over lunch, pizza no less, albeit homemade, I watched this:



I do completely agree that we are all too often ignorant of food. I was somewhat disappointed, and rather upset over the meals I saw Scouts cooking for their merit badges, which were all too often ill prepared and poorly chosen.

I admire Mr. Oliver's passion. It inspired me, ashamed me at times, and at times made me want to lash out. The only thing better would be a nice "Fuck!" when he dumped the wheelbarrow out. I thought he might cry right about there, and I almost did.

I’m not the best eater, though I try to do better, and my wife inspires me with how she does. We are trying to teach the kids things, and it’s a balance of requirements and acceptance that they are their own people. Cooking more at home is something I aim to do, and talks like this inspire me to do more.
It is disgusting what we serve kids, what we don’t teach them, and how poorly the lessons of food-as-fuel are passed on. Given the rising health care issues, which now have obesity related diseases costing and causing more issues than tobacco. It’s going to get worse.
I’m a libertarian. I believe we have to make our own choices, but all too often this simplistic view forgets that we need information and knowledge to do so. I disagree with New York banning large sodas, but I also don’t think we should sell sodas in schools. If parents allow kids to bring them, fine, but don’t advocate this choice. I think labeling, nutrition, and disclosure are poor. I’m willing to allow companies to sell anything they want that doesn’t produce acute, disastrous effects. However I’m not willing to allow them to call yogurt fat-free without disclosing the sugar in it, and comparing it to some baseline.
Freedom doesn’t include the right to deceive, and that’s what I see happening all too often in the food industry. Profits are encouraged, but they should be responsible profits, not maximum ones.