Thanks so much for weighing in. It’s great that your bistro was willing to give it a go, it’s sad to hear that it didn’t work out, but I’m glad that you still seem to be optimistic about the whole scene. Out of curiousity, who provided the recipes because those are some awful measurements!

Melissa

Just wanted to point out another group who are concerned with obesity in children: the cooks. I have been working for a small bistro in Evanston for just under a year now. We work with an organization that caters to parents battling, or preventing, obesity and other nutritional issues that may affect their children.

It made me very proud to work in a kitchen that was adapting to new ways of serving the community, unfortunately the recipes, which varied in desirability, seemed to be have written without any real-world research. Precise measurements are clearly important but it was not uncommon to be asked to add 1/24th tsp of salt, or 1/18th of one egg yolk.

Chicago chefs constantly inspire me, and I’m confident that beyond consulting in-school diets (and how to efficiently execute them), would generally be as pleased to cater the ‘packed lunch’ as the upscale banquet.

Admittedly, this sort of catering only reaches a small percentage of the population (thus far), but I was saddened when bumbling recipes forced us to drop the program, and just wanted to take this opportunity to voice the eagerness to facilitate change which I feel is one of the signs of a true cook.

Conor

Will do. If you send me your email address, I can add it to the Purple Asparagus mailing list. Our email is info@purpleasparagus.com.

Thanks for commenting!

I would love to learn more about what you’re doing with WI. Is there a link for the REAP group? Where in WI are you located?

I haven’t heard of a similar in any other state. This came about because a big part of what I do for Purple Asparagus is meet with like minded organizations to find ways to collaborate. We’re a 100% volunteer organization and so the only way that we’ve grown has been through partnerships and this is just one big partnership!

Thanks for joining us. I hope you’ll stick around. I plan to write a second piece summarizing the commentary from the hearings before the state board of healthy on the obesity issue.

We would love to have you. Please email me at info@purpleasparagus.com and we can find a time to chat.