Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver traded in his pots and pans for a microphone, as he launched a rap anthem for Food Revolution Day on May 15. Featuring popular musicians such as Paul McCartney, Ed Sheeran and Alesha Dixon, The London Youth Choir and actor Hugh Jackman, the video also has Jamie showing off his rapping and drumming skills.
The movement aims to make practical food education a compulsory part of every school curriculum across the world, and targets the G20 countries.
On the website, foodrevolutiondday.com, Jamie says, “By educating children about food in a practical, fun and engaging way, we can provide them with the knowledge and skills they so urgently need to lead healthier, happier lives.”
Worldwide, there are over 42 million children under the age of five who are overweight or obese. They are also the first generation predicted to live shorter lives than their parents. With diet-related illnesses being the world’s biggest killers, it’s not a phenomenon to be taken lightly.
Citing England’s School Food Plan which made cooking lessons and food education a part of the curriculum, Mexico’s compulsory nutrition education and Brazil’s School Health Programme that includes such lessons fundamentally, Jamie says that more can be and has to be done to ensure a better future for kids.
With over 1.2 million people already signing his online petition, the video looks like it will garner more support for the cause.