Ready for the Revolution

On Thursday, I dropped in on Eastwood's principal Nancy Strobel for an hour.  This was our first opportunity to talk in person about Susan's Change Purse and the Eastwood Food Project since the idea was hatched. 

Our conversation began with the school's immediate need for granola bars.  Nancy and her staff have discovered that the bars are an easy, inexpensive way to deliver a hit of nutrition every morning to anyone who might need one.  Before long, we were talking about meal vouchers -- the variance between what they can afford and what they need.  By the end of our discussion, we were thinking together about ways to engage student leaders.  We agreed that their leadership retreat in June would be the right place and time to invite them into the conversation.

So, the first call on the coins and dollars in Susan's Change Purse is for a case of granola bars -- to be delivered monthly.  At last count, we had $1,220 in the purse with several pledges of more in hand.  Our family contribution is not included in this amount.  We're waiting to see what the mix of activities might be by the end of this first year and how much money is needed.  Minimally, we'll match what the community has contributed and top up our initial gift every year.  In time, we hope that Eastwood's students and staff will play a more direct role in determining how the money in the purse is managed and spent.  But today, we're focused on getting our first case of (low-fat, high fibre) granola bars to the school for March 2010.

As for change on a bigger scale, I was inspired by British chef Jamie Oliver speech at the annual TED conference this week.  He is one of the 2010 TED Prize winners.  TED is a small 25-year old nonprofit interested in social innovation or what it calls "ideas worth spreading."  It hosts annual conferences in Long Beach and Oxford bringing together fascinating thinker-doers from around the world.  They are invited to give the talk of their lives -- in no more than 18 minutes.  Annually, a $100,000 prize is awarded to three exceptional individuals for their "one wish to change the world."

Jamie Oliver's wish is to transform the way we feed ourselves and our children.  He's taking aim at childhood obesity with his Food Revolution.  Listen to his winning TED Talk by clicking here.  Then think about contributing to Susan's Change Purse to start the revolution in one school and one neighbourhood -- and for one generation of students -- with one case of granola bars.