THE REBIRTH!

The year 2010 marked the birth of a revolutionary concept, now globally known as, Jamie Oliver ́s 

Food Revolution. This is a campaign which is determined to rectify the rapidly increasing rate 

of obesity around the world, with its point of entry being, The United States of America. For 

centuries, obesity has been an underlying death threat of many nations. Could this be due to a lack 

in nutritional value, when it comes to our daily intake of food; or has the ever-growing façade, that 

is the  ́fast-food ́ industry, conditioned us to believe that eating on-the-go is a more convenient 

lifestyle choice; thus allowing for most populations to become heavily reliant on the unhealthy supply that is readily available for consumption. 

The purpose of a revolution of any kind, is to tap into the already tainted mind-set of the individuals 

in question in an attempt to introduce them to an alternative way of thinking.  ́For thousands of 

years, obesity was rarely seen. It was not until the 20th century that it became common, so-much-so, that in 1997 the World Health Organisation formally recognised obesity, as a global epidemic. ́ 

- John of reading, in Epidemiology of Obesity, May 2014. The aim of the revolution is to target 

school children and educate them about what they are eating and how it helps them to grow. Not 

only is this a form of highly necessary educational fibre for the youths of societies, but it is also an 

interactive form of helping those in need, by allowing for them to be a part of the process of change. 

The world renowned English Chef, Jamie Oliver has simply created a platform for progression, which 

he initiated in 2010 (together with American television producer, Ryan Seacrest) through a series, 

broadcast from Huntington, West Virginia. It was statistically shown that this city was drowning in 

the depths of the dilemma that is obesity, more-so than any other city in the country, at the time. 

The second season of broadcasting extended the programme to Los Angeles, California, where it was 

apparent that many of the scholars were unable to identify the simplest of fruits and vegetables that 

were presented to them by the Celebrity Chef. Jamie Oliver then decided to take on the challenge of 

redirecting his energy in an attempt to teach children how to grow, maintain and prepare healthier 

foods; hoping that it will generate a deeper level of excitement within them, when it comes to their nutritional intake.

Africa is a continent that has for many years thrived on the structure of the female body being one 

of diverse curvature and vivacious compound. Many of its inhabitants believe that a fuller figure 

gives way to the fruitful bearing of children and it has been said many-a-time that a fuller figured 

woman is better enriched. The cultural mind-set has yet to be shifted and as one has it, luck be a 

lady – given that obesity has not yet trespassed over Sub-Saharan Africa, in the way that has, the rest of the world, namely: Mexico, The United States and The United Kingdom. Many people might wonder how they may play a role in this fight against disease (Obesity is a disease). Jamie Oliver has extended his efforts by allowing for regular members of different nations to become Ambassadors for his revolutionary cause. Every year, on the second Friday of May, these Ambassadors and many other interested parties, are granted the opportunity to partake in the widespread phenomenon, FOOD REVOLUTION DAY. This is a time where people come together to educate each other about healthier lifestyle choices, with regards to eating. 

It is predominantly aimed at educating children; thus allowing for them to become a part of the 

revolution as it happens. 

This year, the Ambassadors of the Gauteng Region organised a surprise 

for a group of children who live in Maboneng, Johannesburg, South Africa: a once forgotten district 

that is eloquently reviving the soul of the city. A group of aspiring chefs and lecturers, from Capsicum 

Culinary Studio, spent the day creating a light-hearted alternative to the child-friendly meal:  ́The Burger'. With the idea of playing  ́Secret Santa ́, in mind, the meal was tweaked, by making: a 

healthy ostrich burger, served with a delicious roast vegetable salad, drizzled in a light olive oil 

dressing. Ostrich meat is the most lean, least fatty, yet succulent form of red meat that can be found 

in the market. It was selected to show fellow food lovers that one may still enjoy the pleasures of 

eating this type of meal, without it having to be as unhealthy as one may find in the fast-food or 

other food production industries. With the idea of surprising these young children (aged 4 – 15), the 

packages were delivered to them on the eve of Food Revolution Day which was dated on May 16th, 2014. 

There are few better feelings that trump that of, seeing joy being brought to another person ́s 

life. It is not often that one is able to hear happiness, but this day was filled with many smiles and 

even more inquisitive minds. The bustling energy of the childrens’ happiness filled the street with 

the light that is Maboneng. I was thrilled to be enthusiastically approached by one of the young 

girls who inquisitively asked:  ́Chef, what is inside our food packages?  ́. This moment solidified the 

purpose of the day: to stimulate curious minds. To make children excited about their food again and 

to educate them about what they are putting into their bodies. I believe that this campaign will be as successful as it is inspirational and the continuance of its progressive nature will allow for the healing of many broken civilisations. To generate awareness relating to leading an alternative lifestyle is a daunting task that we are so grateful to be a part of. 

The more we speak freely of these struggles, the more fluid we will become in resolving their 

burdens. The Ambassador input has reached over 200 activists (and counting) residing in more than 

60 countries worldwide. A healthy body begets a healthy mind and this is the ultimate dream. 

To live well is to eat well and to eat well is to choose well. The revolution has yet to begin! Let us keep 

humanity a-float by consciously considering the ideals that pertain towards the longevity of our existence. 

In this way, we will make for a world that is a better living space.

Best Love,

Khaleesi x

P.S. A special thank you to: Capsicum Culinary Studio (Sunninghill, Johannesburg, South Africa), Stephanie O'Conner and Motheo Moeng.