shuling yong – a better world through media

If you’ve read my previous post on feeding the next generation right, you’ll know that I’ve got great respect for the work that TED Prize winner Jamie Oliver is doing. With TED bringing together the biggest movers and shakers of the country last week, Jamie was there to speak to them with the heart and conviction to educate us all about the very things we put in our mouths.

Learn in 20 minutes what could potentially save thousands of lives. These ideas are truly worth spreading:

It’s really not difficult to stay away from greasy, fatty fast food and sugar-laden soda. For most of us, at least. But for those who live in areas like Chicago’s 3 food deserts, access to fresh produce is very limited. I can see why, with dollar-burgers and dollar-tacos just around the corner, it’s tempting to opt for the faster and cheaper alternative. But when you think about the long-term health implications, these cheap alternatives could cost you so much more in medical bills. However, when you live in a food desert and don’t have a car, taking that one bus that runs through the entire neighborhood 2 hours to a grocery store just isn’t feasible. The only options nearby? Fast food joints and corner drug stores with shelves filled with soda and candy, and where your protein comes in the form of a can of spam. It’s hard to believe that this situation exists in a city like Chicago. What the City officials need to do is work on getting more stores selling fresh produce in these areas.

Add organic food and responsibly-produced food to the mix, and you’ll realize that the benefits reaped – both for yourself and for the environment – are well worth the few extra cents you pay.