“I’ve been feeling sluggish and have little energy,” a friend shares. My mind races ahead, “get gluten out of your diet.” Another friend, battling cancer, tearfully explains her last doctor visit. Again, I think, “add turmeric to your daily supplements.” I don’t say either of these comments aloud for I’m not a nutritionist or a dietician but inevitably wherever I am, my conversations to turn food. Am I being called to a Food Ministry?
Jamie Oliver; Chef and Activist
I was contemplating this question when KateBart posted a recent TED talk featuring Jamie Oliver on her facebook page. I’d seen the Naked Chef before but when I watched his passion and heard his message, my heart was pounding. Jamie’s TED talk is 20 minutes long, but if you haven’t seen it, please schedule some time to watch.
Jamie is clearly living a food ministry. If you are not inspired by his message, I believe you will at least admire his determination. I’m certain that part of this calling is what attracted me to CSA initially. What are you being called to do?
Agrigirl's Blog 
Brother Kevin
/ March 27, 2010Vickie and I love Jamie Oliver!
Tammy McLeod
/ March 28, 2010Thanks for reading Kev. He is starting a tv series that should be interesting to follow.
Kathleen Bartolomei
/ March 27, 2010Bravo, AgriGirl … you are so spot on! I am delighted you are embracing your calling, and I champion you! Just wait ’til you learn about the visionary urban community initiative my Wild Brains & Sages are creating plunk in the center of Phoenix! My toes haven’t touched the ground all week … and I am standing! You will overlook us from your pinnacle in the west! And I guarantee you will absolutely fall in love with the Welcome Diner! Just wait ’til your boys see it! (btw … I trump your use of the word delight with my use of the exclamation point! After all of the uncivil dialogue we are bombarded with daily, the world needs more delight and joy!) Rock on!
Tammy McLeod
/ March 28, 2010Thanks Kathleen. I’m excited about the momentum that I see out there – simply delightful.
Sally Mom
/ March 28, 2010I love jamie Oliver and have been a longtime fan. I do not care what people say, I push tumerick for everything. It is wonderful.
Raw, dried and fresh in teas, soups, capsules, etc. It is amazing
Great antioxidant as well.
Good Girl. Thanks for sharing this most important message!
Love, Sally
Tammy McLeod
/ March 29, 2010Thanks Sally! I was guided to an interesting website by our naturopath. It’s pubmed.gov and there are a number of studies referenced there where turmeric has been used to stop tumor growth and prevent them.
newRDcook
/ March 28, 2010I have been meaning to write a post about Jamie Oliver and his new show on my blog – you beat me too it!
I think what Jamie Oliver is doing is very brave but I always wince when anyone takes a serious issue (i.e. obesity) and turns it into reality TV. While he is certainly bringing visibility to the health issues that confront Americans today, I do wonder if there was any thought given around creating a sustainable initiative in a town like Huntingdon, where resistance is a common reaction without fostering empowerment and education from the community itself, first.
Lastly – I love turmeric and add it to soups for its anti-inflammatory properties whenever I can!
Tammy McLeod
/ March 29, 2010I agree that this is a bit sensationalized but I am hopeful that he can make an impact. I love his passion and that he won the TED prize. Also, I responded to Sally with a website that has been fascinating to look at. Lots of data on different foods and the results from applying them in different situations.
lusciouslylocal
/ March 29, 2010Love this topic! I also posted Jamie’s TED talk to my fb page and was absolutely inspired. YES, I am proud to be a part of the Food Ministry!
And yes, of course it’s sensationalized. But that’s how so many people get information-from tv shows. I am glad that someone so well-known is bringing this issue to the masses.
Tammy McLeod
/ March 29, 2010Yes, I tend to think that this method of bringing the message to the masses may work best in America!
fitandfortysomething
/ March 29, 2010i just contacted a CSA today in hopes of joining! thank you for stopping by my blog 🙂
Tammy McLeod
/ March 29, 2010Looking forward to watching both of our progress!
autonomyacres
/ March 30, 2010Due to my slow inter-net connection, I can’t watch the video, but I am familar with what Jamie is doing. As far as what my calling might be, well, to raise my two little ones with the knowledge of where their food comes from, and to show people how important it is to be a part of the food production cycle. No matter where you live, we can all take part in growing and raising our own food, sometimes you just have to get creative. Cheers!
Tammy McLeod
/ March 30, 2010Raising two little ones is a calling of its own. The fact that you teach them about their food and where it comes from is a “higher calling”. Hats off to you!
Nourishing Words
/ March 30, 2010I do think it’s possible to feel a calling to teach people about good food — I feel one, too. And, I really don’t think we need to be nutritionists or dieticians to share information with each other in a caring way. With friends and coworkers, I just try to keep it light, focus on my own experience (rather than giving advice) and know when I’ve said enough. I’m glad you’ve felt this calling: keep up the good work!
Eleanor
Tammy McLeod
/ March 31, 2010Thanks for the encouragement Eleanor! I appreciate support from others like you.
Laura S
/ April 4, 2010I loved this video. I hope Jamie Oliver inspires government and corporate sponsors to put kitchens, gardens, and curriculum in public schools. Hard to think of a more worthwhile investment.
Tammy McLeod
/ April 4, 2010I’m with you Laura. There’s a world of learning within food that is often neglected. I really commend his work with schools.
milkayphoto
/ April 5, 2010Hello Tammy –
Thank you for posting this video! I whole-heartedly support what Jamie is doing and have been following him for years. I think his new series is terrific and not sensationalized at all. America needs a wake-up call and this is the only way to get their attention. I think with the new administration Jamie’s ideas actually have a chance. Silly that it takes an Englishman to open our eyes! I like your blog – inspiring, educational, caring. Well done. Thank you for visiting my project 365 blog – very much appreciated! 🙂
Take care –
Tracy
http://milkayphoto.wordpress.com/
Tammy McLeod
/ April 6, 2010You are welcome and thanks for you nice comments. Yes, it is odd that an Englishman has to rally change for us – I also think that’s one of the reasons that he’s meeting resistance but I’m definitely in his corner.
Hannah
/ April 5, 2010I watched this a few weeks back, and was really impressed. Jamie’s come a long way since his “pukka” early days as The Naked Chef (though I used to enjoy watching him then too). You can see in this video how genuine and passionate he is about what he does – and I looked forward to seeing your Food Ministry TED talk in the future! 😛
Whitney
/ April 21, 2010I am SO inspired by Jamie Oliver. His Food Revolution in Huntington both awes and disgusts me.
This country needs Jamie to jumpstart a real change. Your instincts about your friends health being affected by the food they eat couldn’t be more right; real food CAN solve the problem.
If you feel inspired to take part in this Food Ministry, I think you should!
Have you read Fed Up With School Lunch?
http://www.fedupwithschoollunch.blogspot.com
Tammy McLeod
/ April 22, 2010Thanks Whitney. Did you read my post on My Own Private Revolution? I am in line with the writer of fedupwithschool lunch. I don’t know how she does it but something has to be done!
Rosh
/ March 22, 2014I love Jamie for his passion. He’s just so excited about everything. So entertaining and his enthusiasm is contagious. I’d like to reblog this post with your permission. I can totally relate to your thoughts of what that person could take to deal with that ailment! Love your blog!
Tammy
/ March 24, 2014Thanks so much Rosh! You’ve caught me during a time when I’m studying more than blogging but I’ll throw out a few ideas and catch up in June.
Rosh
/ March 24, 2014Great to hear from you. I enjoy your blog very much. I can not begin to imagine how you do all that you do. Good luck in your studies!
Rosh
/ March 24, 2014Reblogged this on Rose of Sharon Herbs and commented:
Jamie is passionate about food. It’s a pleasure to watch him cook. Here he is on TED.
Tammy
/ March 24, 2014Thanks so much Rosh!