With that goal in mind, for the second year in a row, I am joining thousands of other volunteers around the world in supporting Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution Day 2013, which this year falls on Friday, May 17th.

Food Revolution Day is an annual day of awareness, begun by chef and campaigner Jamie Oliver, which aims to raise the profile of food education as a key to transforming the lives of millions of people across the world.  

The first Food Revolution Day was held in May 2012 and involved over 1,000 events globally in 62 countries.

Here in Saratoga in 2012, events included a seed-planting activity for kids at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market (hosted by the Saratoga Springs Public Library) and food tastings at Saratoga Olive Oil and Four Seasons Natural Foods. Saratoga Springs Public Library organized a panel discussion on food and farms with several local experts. Saratoga YMCA worked with its after-school children’s program to learn how much sugar there is in popular beverages. Nine Miles East, a local farm, invited children out for a farm visit and planting party. For our first year ever, we had a lot going on!

Now, it’s year #2, and I’m excited about the possibilities. Given that Food Revolution Day falls on a Friday this year, I’d like to see some events organized in local schools and local businesses. What about classrooms planting small gardens, or companies starting “Fresh Food Friday” shared lunches that let employees exchange cooking tips, a collaborative meal, and some end-of-week fun? 

In a news release, Jamie Oliver commented:  “We want everyone who cares about food education to get together to show that this is a massively important issue.  Our kids need to learn about food from an early age and we also need to help those adults who can’t cook.  It’s all about inspiring people to get cooking and love fresh food.”

So Saratoga eaters, if you are willing to join me,  here’s our chance to work together to advance the cause of better food, for everyone.  It doesn’t have to be complicated or involve planning a huge event. You can invite friends over for a healthy-eating potluck! 

Please take a look at the Food Revolution Day website for inspiration. In the next few months, you can follow the Saratoga developments on Twitter @FoodRevSaratoga or on Facebook (Food Revolution Saratoga). Or, call me at 581-0435 and tell me about the project you’d like to host! I’ll help put it on the map and get the word out.