Robert Irvine, a British celebrity chef who found fame on the Food Network, has encouraged Americans across the political spectrum to support Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s efforts to promote healthier diets and lifestyles nationwide.
“We are in a bad position. We need great food—simple food—without all the additives. But you have to take the first step,” he continued.
“You’re the one that decides your journey and your family’s journey. Whatever politics are involved, food is of paramount importance because we grow up and we eat like we [did] when we were children.”
The television personality offered a few practical words of advice for parents seeking to improve their children’s eating habits.
“We have to make the first step with our children and make it fun,” he shared.
“Just like teaching adults, it has to be fun. The more games you play, the more they’re invested in the growth of themselves and the food. They’re going to grow up healthy human beings.”
President Donald Trump signed an executive order in February establishing the Make America Healthy Again Commission.
The commission—led by Kennedy, the secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services—will initially focus on tackling childhood chronic diseases.
The White House reports that 60 percent of American adults have at least one chronic condition; 40 percent suffer from two or more. Children have also seen a rise in chronic conditions, such as autism, asthma, allergies, and autoimmune diseases.
“You have truly heard the calls of the millions of mothers who simply want the tools—and the truth—so they can make informed decisions for their children.”
Making America Healthy Again
Irvine is known for hosting some of the Food Network’s most popular shows, including “Dinner: Impossible” and “Restaurant: Impossible.” However, before finding fame on the small screen, he spent time serving his country.Irvine enlisted in the UK’s Royal Navy at the age of 15, serving as a cook on some of the largest ships in the British fleet, including the Britannia, the former royal yacht of Queen Elizabeth II.
Irvine believes military entities should also prioritize healthier dining options for their troops. To help accomplish this, the former British Royal Navy chef provides healthy meals to U.S. military members stationed around the world through his nonprofit organization, the Robert Irvine Foundation, which he founded in 2014.
“The Globe” host told Fox News that his “Breaking Bread with Heroes” initiative provides meals to between 300 and 3,000 troops twice a week.
“When Robert started his career as a cook in the Navy, he knew he had found his calling. He witnessed the power of food and its ability to bring people together, nourishing their body, mind, and spirit.”
Irvine recently traveled to Tromso, Norway, to serve 400 U.S. Marines taking part in the biennial Joint Viking training exercise, which is held in the remote Arctic Circle during the winter months. The celebrity chef even hosted a mini cooking competition, giving a dozen Marines the chance to face off against him in the kitchen.
“These are guys and girls that serve our nation who would never get any recognition, the cooks, and now we’re giving them recognition.”
In addition to its weekly meals, the Robert Irvine Foundation’s food program works to alleviate food insecurity among military families by distributing groceries and gift cards to those in need. It also gives veterans the opportunity to pursue culinary careers after leaving service.
Through the organization’s “Let’s Chow” initiative, former military personnel can learn the ins and outs of the food industry by managing the foundation’s fleet of food trucks, which provide free meals to communities across the country.
