I was thrilled with the recent article about the slow food movement in Merida and Yucatan.  I am a trained chef and have been reading about slow food in Itlay for years.  I became a food service director 4 years ago for a public school system and have been involved with the Farm to School Project.  We try to do as much scratch cooking as possible and we use as many local ingrediants as possible.  Some of us do a vegetable of the month program to introduce something new to the students.  Even if they just take a "no thank you" portion I feel they are exposed to a new food.

Some of you may be aware that a few years ago all public school systems that took federal reimbursement had to create a wellness policy and abide by it.  That meant the "junk" food had to be monitored and/or elilminated.  This resulted because of the obesity issue and diabites, high blood pressure and the fact that this generation will not outlive their parents because of the increase in these terrible health issues.

Which brings me to Merida.  I hadn't been in Mexico for a number of years and last year, when I finally returned, I was shocked at how many woman and children are overweight.  I asked about it and the same problems that exist in the States has spread to Yucatan;  junk food for breakfast, poor eating habits in general and the onslaught of Burger King and McDonalds with it's high sodium content and high fat content. 

If and when I ever get to live in Merida I would like to do what I can to change this problem.  I can get some materials in Spanish that I could bring down or send in email format if I can get a contact of someone in the school system.  These are things that promote the importance of a balanced breakfast and more.  If there  is anyone out there in Yolisto land who may have a lead or thought,  please let me know.  I will be in Merida this Feb. and can bring whatever.

Meanwhile, consider joining the Slow Food Movement.  I just did!  As expats we can afford to shop at upscale markets for the foods that we should be eating but we need to do what we can to help those who are not as fortunate as we. 

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