I’d like to say that I’m a sucker for pop anthems because of my 10-year-old pop music lover, but to be honest, I’d be dancing — or, uh, standing perfectly still — to the Black Beatles, bopping to Drake, and whipping and nae nae’ing around my house even on my own. And, yes, it’s as embarrassing as it sounds. Whatever.
Now there’s a new song (well, sorta new — it hit the internets last month) that’s got me hooked, and not just because it’s catchy as hell. It’s also political with a message about growing food — healthy, real food — in urban food deserts.
Related: The 13 best food podcasts for families. Or anyone who likes food.
The video for “Grow Food” is performed by kids who are part of the non-profit Appetite For Change, a community-led group that, in their own words, “uses food as a tool building health, wealth, and social change” in their local North Minneapolis. The song lyrics touch on the fact that while there’s talk of drugs and guns being a danger to children in inner cities, nobody is talking about the proliferation of fast food restaurants — and lack of real food sources — in the very same neighborhoods.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PqgU3co4vcI&w=560&h=315]
The song poignantly points out the fact that millions of American children aren’t getting the food they need to sustain their health, which impacts their ability to learn and thrive.
Yes to this a million times over.
In our still very politically charged climate, we here at Cool Mom Eats hope that you’ll watch the video, share it with your kids, and maybe even share it on social. Because just as important as education, the economy, and climate change, we think that, as parents, we can all agree that making sure that all children get basic nutrition — the proper fuel to do well in school and maintain a healthy body — is worth fighting for, and perhaps even at the root of many of the other issues we’re grappling with today.
And did I mention that it’s actually a pretty catchy song? No more kiddie than Silento’s big hit or Dawin’s “Dessert” (which, OMG get out of my head). Just don’t be mad at me if you can’t stop singing, “Whippin in the kitchen, whippin in the kitchen.”
