Elmo visited the White House Kitchen, in perfect timing for the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act being signed into law by President Obama, which is expected to bring changes to school menus that involve more fruits and vegetables and less processed food.
Elmo was there to experience the veggie burrito with beans, rice and peppers that White House chef Sam Kass whipped up prior to his arrival. When Elmo expresses concern about going to school because of the food, Kass reassures him there’s good food at school, adding, “Because of this new law that is passed, we’re going to make sure that all food is healthy,nutritious and delicious.”
While Kass’ statement is mostly true, as we noted recently, it may be harder to get a true vegetarian burrito at school than we hoped. Crossing our fingers all veg children will be able to do the “melon happy dance” that Elmo does when they get in the lunch line next year.
Michael Vick, notorious for his involvement with Bad News Kennels and dog fighting activities, has expressed his interest in proving he could be a good pet owner again. The consequences of him “failing” the test would be drastic, and two animal rights groups have weighed in on the matter.
“I have been around him a lot, and feel confident that he would do a good job as a pet owner,” Wayne Pacelle, president of the Humane Society of the United States, told the Atlanta Journal Constitution. Vick chose to work with the HSUS on its anti-dogfighting campaigns and has traveled across the country speaking to youth about the cruelty of the sport.
Comments Off on Watch–Live Chat With “Top Chef” Carla Hall (Video)
As promised, here’s “Top Chef All Stars” contestant Carla Hall discussing cooking for the holiday season using local, seasonal ingredients as part of the Tom’s of Maine Wicked Fresh! Live Chat series highlighting people making a difference in their careers.
Comments Off on Tippi Hedren Or Emily Deschanel–“Whoville” Would You
Emily Deschanel and Tippi Hedren were both recognized recently for their contributions to animal welfare. Deschanel received the Humane Society’s Humane Advocate Award for her work with their Prop 2, anti-dog fighting and other campaigns. In the spirit of the holiday season, Hedren was praised by The Grinch and other members of Whoville from the cartoon “Whorton Hears A Who” with the Whomanitarian Award for getting legislation passed to protect big cats and caring for rescued tigers, lions and other cats at the Shambala Preserve, which she founded.
Comments Off on Allrecipes.com Finds Reducing Meat Intake Trend For 2011
Allrecipes.com 11 Trends for 2011 Measuring Cup Report
Allrecipes.com, one of the largest online recipe databases, has released its “11 Trends for 2011 Measuring Cup Report.”
Insight #6, based on Allrecipes.com’s Food Trends Survey, is all about the economy and veggies–Veganomics. Citing the less than optimal financial state of many Americans’ pocketbooks, Allrecipes found this is a primary factor for more people choosing to reduce their meat consumption. But cheap carrots aren’t the sole motivation behind more kitchens looking veggie.
Comments Off on Bo Obama, First Dog, Receives Vegan Treats From PETA
Bo Obama, America’s first dog, has been exceptionally good this year by not chewing up the first lady’s dinner party shoes and as a reward, he’s getting some vegan dog treats from PETA.
In a letter addressed to Michelle, PETA’s president Ingrid Newkirk also reminds the first family that a harness might make Bo more comfortable during walks.
“As animal rights advocates, we would be remiss if we didn’t make sure that Bo got a gift basket from PETA headquarters here in Washington,” the letter says.
Comments Off on Heather Mills Opens Redwood Wholefood Shop For In Store Shopping
Redwood Wholefood Company, a food business owned by Heather Mills that specializes in faux meat and faux cheese products, opened its first shop in Corby in England this week. Lovers of vegan deli meats and dairy-free cheeses under brands like Vegideli and Cheezly and Cheatin’ can now shop Redwood like they would any other grocery store.
The decision was made by Redwood after learning many of the natural foods shops in the area did not have much refrigeration space.
Lee Rockingham, Redwood’s finance director, said, “People in Corby have been asking us for ages if they can buy directly from us but in the past we just haven’t had the space.”
Comments Off on Tippi Hedren Receives “Whomanitarian” Award From Grinch For Big Cat Work
Tippi Hedren has been honored with the first ever “Whomanitarian Award” at Universal Studios for her work to protect big cats and take care of them at the Shambala Preserve. Hedren was presented with the award from several dozens of children, Whoville characters from “Whorton Hears A Who” and the infamous Grinch.
Hedren has helped bring two bills to the federal limelight in an attempt to protect big cats. “The Captive Wildlife Safety Act,” signed by Bush in 2003, stops the interstate trafficking of big cats sold as pets. There’s also the “A Federal Bill to Ban the Breeding of the Exotic Feline for Personal Possession,” which is designed to end the breeding of these animals in captivity. Hedren said the only thing standing in the way of her second bill is companies who use big cats for entertainment
