Mom Talks About Taking on the Food Industry (VIDEO)

March 28, 2011

Robyn O’Brien, mother of four and author of The Unhealthy Truth, spoke at TEDxAustin recently about what led her from blue yogurt and “Leggo my Eggo” waffles to a crusade for better food for America’s kids. A former food industry analyst, she discussed what she discovered about food allergies and novel proteins in our food, the different rules food corporations follow abroad, and the costs for our health–all in a way that anyone can understand.

In speaking about our healthcare costs in the U.S.–16 percent of our GDP, the highest in the world–she said, “This very easily could be effecting our global competitiveness, because rather than driving profitability toward our core competencies in the global marketplace, we’re managing disease.”

You can watch her talk in its entirety here:

Paula Crossfield is a founder and the Editor-at-large of Civil Eats. She is also a co-founder of the Food & Environment Reporting Network. Her reporting has been featured in The Nation, Gastronomica, Index Magazine, The New York Times and more, and she has been a contributing producer at The Leonard Lopate Show on New York Public Radio. An avid cook and gardener, she currently lives in Oakland. Read more >

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Mike Lieberman
March 28, 2011
I've seen some of Robyn's work, but have never heard her speak before. Definitely inspiring. Thanks for sharing this.
DawnDNew
March 28, 2011
BLOWN AWAY! So proud of your work and am sharing with EVERYONE I know!
Dawn
Billy Wear
March 28, 2011
Thank you ! Thank you!
I'm a dad who has decided to change himself and to try to save my daughter who is seven by teaching her.
Hey kids how bout a peanut butter sandwich and a nice cold glass of milk. Ouch! I think not!!!
Mike thanks for passing this on.

Thanks again ♥
Billy W
Phil James
March 28, 2011
Inspiring video. I wish more moms and dads out there would be as brave as Robyn.
Adriana
March 28, 2011
What I love about this story is that motherhood was her point of radicalization--well, that and I love what a data geek she is.
Mark A Moreno
March 29, 2011
Incredibly compelling video about the unintended consequences that can result from our nation's food supply.
Melinda Hemmelgarn
March 29, 2011
Kim Severson at the NY Times wrote a terrific review of Robyn's work and history.
A great read:
www.nytimes.com/2008/01/09/dining/09alle.html
Dr. Elaine Rancatore
April 1, 2011
How can we progress to a medical system that is centered on prevention and wellness, when we still struggle to ensure that our food is safe for consumption? There will always be disagreements about cause and effect but at least inform the public about issues such as these and let individuals make informed choices for themselves and their families.
mothersdayplan
April 3, 2011
I am inspired to see this video.really moms are in the most important place to a child.
Stacey Rosebrock
April 9, 2011
Bravo, Bravo,Bravo! I am the mother of two severely food allergic children, and what you have just informed me of is infuriating. I'm blown away by this and want to know what I can do to help your cause.

Thank you for your braveness!

Stacey Rosebrock

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