The Final State of the Union
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Summary:
Chef Rachael Ray discusses her visit to the White House for the "Chefs Move to Schools" initiative, part of First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move! campaign to end the epidemic of childhood obesity. Watch a video from the event with chefs Rachael Ray and Marcus Samuelsson.
I recently had the privilege of joining the First Lady and hundreds of chefs on the South Lawn of the White House to launch the “Chefs Move to Schools” initiative, a part of the First Lady’s Let’s Move! Campaign. I grew up in the kitchen at an early age cooking alongside my mother. My grandfather grew all the food we ate: leafy greens, fresh fruits and vegetables and more.
To see hundreds of talented chefs all about to embark on a meaningful, very real journey into their community to give back and teach hundreds upon thousands of kids is truly remarkable. Understanding what good nutrition means and the basics of cooking are some of the most important tools kids need for the rest of their lives. Knowing how to put together a good, nutritious meal really improves the quality of one’s life.
I believe that chefs can be real leaders, in their communities, and beyond. Cooking is a way of life I was simply born into. Through this program, I hope that every child in America has the opportunity to experience those same joys of food and cooking that I did – and still do – with that very special chef in their community.
Rachael Ray is a Child Nutrition Advocate and participant in the Chefs Move to Schools Initiative
Ed. Note: As of today, 2,330 chefs and 688 schools have signed up to be a part of the Chef's Move to Schools initiative. See all of the participating chefs and schools across the country on this map and learn more by visiting LetsMove.gov.
