As you are all aware, childhood obesity is on the rise and as chefs I believe we can help change the tide in Georgia. I am reaching out to you because we have an incredible opportunity to impact our children and become the catalyst to combat the epidemic of childhood obesity through a comprehensive approach with the Let's Move! program.  Similar to the seat belt program twenty years ago, where children were taught to wear their seat belts in school and passed it on to their parents, the Let's Move! program is looking to influence the schools, teachers and parents to change the way our children eat. Let's be real here, are there any better teachers than Chefs?  With our knowledge of food, our influence in the community and our passion for "making a difference" the time is right to truly help build a healthy future for our children.

As a committed culinary professional entering my 40^th year in the industry, no one needs to tell me about chefs having to take on extra responsibilities when our time is so precious. But what is more precious than giving a child a chance to grow up without entering adulthood with the first signs of diabetes, high blood pressure or obesity. This has been talked about for a decade and nothing is being done. Well, I'm doing something about it in Atlanta and I hope you will all help me get the Let's Move! program off the ground.  All I need from you is maybe 9 - 10  days a year.

Click "Read More" to see just how simple it is!

Step 1:

Register on the Chefs Move to Schools site at: http://healthymeals.nal.usda.gov/school meals/Chef/ChefsForm.php

Once signed up it will take 3 - 5 business days for the Chefs Move to Schools  personnel to contact you.

Step 2:

Once you have registered, you can find the full listing of schools which have signed up in Georgia at:

http://healthymeals.nal.usda.gov/schoolmeals/Chef/ChefsSearchResults.php?searchmode=School&state=GA&submit=Submit

You will need to click on the contact name below the school listing of your choice and send an email stating your desire to participate in the Chefs Move to Schools with their school.

 

Once you have registered and have contacted a school, the match can be submitted through the Chefs Move to Schools feedback form: http://healthymeals.nal.usda.gov/schoolmeals/Chef/ChefsFeedback.php

Here's where we are requesting one more minute of your time.  PLEASE forward confirmation of your participation in the program and the name of the school you have adopted to Cheryl Glass  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . (We will be providing you with 5 easy steps of executing this program once we receive your confirmation)

 

Once you have made initial contact with your school, you will want to schedule a meeting to review the objectives of the school and discuss the three nutritional "buckets" you will be covering this year:

~reducing sodium

~lowering fat

~reducing sugar

as well as providing food identification and new food introductions to the students.

...more to follow on these areas of focus.

 

I truly suggest you think about a school you wish to adopt and review the listing of schools which have signed up in Georgia, and IF the school you wish to adopt is not on the list, please reach out to them and explain the program and share your desire to assist in their school and ask them to go online and register.

http://healthymeals.nal.usda.gov/schoolmeals/Chef/SchoolsFeedback.php

 

For additional information on the program, please visit:

http://www.letsmove.gov/chefs

 

The chefs in the state of Georgia have always been leaders in the ACF and their communities and I ask that we take the lead in this incredibly critical program and make a difference in reducing childhood obesity and creating a strong nutritional base for this generation and beyond!  I have already registered and adopted a school and look forward to being involved in this tremendous program...because Together We Can make a difference!

 

It's Time to Take Action Now...
Let's Move Chefs and Thanks!
Mike

Michael Deihl, CEC^® CCA^® ACE AAC
Executive Chef
East Lake Golf Club

Chairman of the Board
ACF Greater Atlanta Chapter
American Culinary Federation
2008 ACF Chapter of the Year
ACF SE Regional Ethics Chair
ACF State of Georgia Coordinator