America's Fattest City Makes the 'Naked Chef' Weep

1-20-2010 @11:57AM Graydon said... It's WEST VIRGINIA, people! What do you expect?!? The only culture these people get is watching their relatives on "Jerry Springer!"
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1-22-2010 @12:22AM BaitSlinger said... IT"S WEST VIRGINIA !!......home of the three eyed babies and people who are their own "grandpa". Jamie should have picked a state with IQ numbers that contain three digits.
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1-24-2010 @6:23PM Hyperbole said... Jamie Oliver came to Huntington and professed he would be our savior. He came to a rural area that has it's fair share of farms and declared on tv that he was shocked Huntington wasn't able to purchase fresh vegetables, ignoring the plentiful fresh produce in local stores and the farmers markets that exist. After he realized his tremendous blunder in his approach his entourage made nice with the locals and Jamie was accepted with much cooperation from the city. Of course he also promised this would be a POSITIVE program - looks like Jamie lied. Big shock. He wanted sensationalism and he wanted to elevate himself. He did neither here. And if he found a kid that didn't know what a tomato was - all I can say he is shouldn't have asked a pre schooler.
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1-27-2010 @10:18AM Sara said... I have lived in poverty and take care of children who live in poverty. I understand that convenience foods are cheaper and easier to prepare than fresh ingredients. As for the school lunches that are offered, they are not that healthy. I own a preschool and the USDA guidelines that are the standard can leave alot of option for overly processed foods. My son goes to my preschool so I make sure that only wholegrains, whole foods and LOTS of fresh produce is served daily. I wish I could offer organic food BUT its very costly even in bulk. Obesity is a problem regardless of income and is a world wide phenomenon. I truly believe as was said before its because cheap food is processed. Produce can be cheaper but take longer to prepare and requires minor cooking skills. American portions are also very LARGE. I read that our portion sizing is 25% higher than anywhere in the world. Also soda is a staplehere instead of water. We Americans need to eat less processed food, fast foods, soda and replace them with whole foods, fresh produce. We also need to move our bodies. I feel bad that Jamie Oliver came to help and was treated so poorly. What a sad way to show American hospitality. I hope he comes back to America and continues to try to educate our populus.
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2-14-2010 @7:42PM Ed Koren said... I live in Huntington, WV. I am an outsider, moved from the UK. Many people are uneducated and ignorant, and cannot stand it when it is suggested to change their ways. Even when an idea clearly is positive, if it comes from the outside they dig in their heels, and stubbornly refuse to acknowledge. It is amazing how they "know it all" with such low IQs.

If these adults choose to be obese, that is their choice. However, the fattening up of their children is disturbing. That includes not just the parents; I have two children in the school system, and the food they are served there is far from nutritious.

My employer, a local hospital, has made a commitment to aid Jamie Oliver's quest. There are plenty of people in Huntington who appreciate his efforts.
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2-15-2010 @7:44PM MOM_IN_OHIO said... We can all use a bit more help with our diets. I'd be weeping too if I allowed myself to get this bad.
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3-07-2010 @11:01PM William said... I think it's rude for this gossip to intrude this town and show the whole United States from his negative point of view. This will draw negative attention to the whole town, while even the fat and nonfat people alike don't deserve it. If they want help, help them, but don't expose the negatives without the positives of the people of this town. Jaime, stop stalking the people of this town.
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3-21-2010 @10:58PM Chris Kennedy said... I totally agree with the fact that weight is issue in America but the real change should be on the food companies. I am a parent of limited means and weight is not an issue in my family but it is extemely difficult to feed a family of 4 healthy food. I live in Sunset Beach NC and we are very lucky to have many local farmers and and long growing season. Unlike in most areas this is not the case. If the goverment is so consered with public health then the should require companies to offer the lower fat ,less sodium, and no presevatives at a lower cost . On average I have to spend 35 to 50% more on healther items than the processed choices. Which by doing this takes away from extras like arts class for my kids, vacations and the small extras that children deserve. So it becomes hard on lower income families not to choose fast or processed foods because it cost alot less than the healthier alternatives. No all people can be rich or well off and people should not be judged on how much they have or don't. That's the real problem in America GREED!!! So remember every time you say no to School bonds you are not giving the schools the chance to have the budget to purchase the higher quality foods let alone teach our children. So my point is I believe if corporate executives could live with out having ridiculous amounts of profits maybe they could offer the heathier choices at a lower price. I also understand that to make the healthier foods cost more so maybe the goverment could subsidize the local farmers or organic companies instead of car makers and banks.
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