Today is Food Revolution Day. Jamie Oliver’s day to promote quality food production, consumption, and education.

I don’t need to be convinced about the benefits of knowing how your food has been made. I am fortunate to be able to cook the vast majority of our food from scratch, using food we have grown ourselves. The benefits are huge both in terms of our nutrition, and our budget. I know that we are soooo lucky to have the time, space and skills to produce and cook so much of our own food, but you don’t need to be living on a farm, or growing your own vegetables.

I strongly believe in teaching my kids how to cook food. We have had our kids help us cook from an early age. Hannah, who is seven, was given a cook book for Christmas last year, and is beginning to cook simple meals by herself (here is her recipe for French Toast).

Here’s Meg (aged 2) ‘helping’ roll out pastry

As a Food Technology and Hospitality teacher, I get to see the pride that students feel when they develop a skill. I love that learning food preparation skills is something that will help them for the rest of their lives. Kids who have food preparation skills and knowledge are less likely to be overweight, and more likely to make healthy choices for themselves, and their own families when they grow up.

Hannah (aged 4) making some tasty treats

Food Revolution Day is about making small changes gradually. If you don’t cook from scratch very often, why not try something basic today – and get your kids involved. If your not sure how to start, here is an article I wrote for TinaGray{dot}Me about how you can start.

Why not cook yourself  a yummy dinner, or go to one of the hundreds of community events being held to promote good eating and good  health. Today is the day to start your own Food Revolution.

p.s. you can get links to all recipes I have posted by clicking on the recipes button at the top of this page!