The National Archives just opened a new exhibit that has piqued my interest. “What’s Cooking, Uncle Sam?” is intended to “explore the records of the National Archives that trace the Government’s effect on what Americans eat.” Although I haven’t had a chance to visit the exhibit yet, it’s been getting great press in the New York Times (subscription required, I’m afraid) and the Washington Post.
Awhile back I discussed one of the Government’s efforts to inform the public about food preparation: Aunt Sammy’s Radio Recipes. In those days, thrifty, filling meals were the order of the day – comfort food that could nourish people struggling through the Great Depression with very little spare cash.The Government is still a player in the food game today, but now the problem seems to be obesity rather than malnutrition. The Department of Agriculture (USDA) has replaced its venerable Food Pyramid with MyPlate, but the aim remains the same: educating the public on portion control and which foods to increase or decrease in the American diet.
This brings me to another 2011 Library Journal notable Government document: the USDA Food and Nutrition Service’s Grow It, Try It, Like It: Preschool Fun with Fruits and Vegetables, a kit aimed at parents and teachers who want to provide young children with food and nutrition information in a fun way while teaching them all kinds of other things, like growing and cooking vegetables. Kids can improve their small motor skills while getting their hands dirty in a constructive way and then serve up the results – and maybe even acquire a taste for fruits and veggies, that perennial hope of parents everywhere. The kit includes seven booklets, with names like “Spinach Lane,” “Sweet Potato Hill,” and “Peach Tree Orchard,” each one explaining a particular fruit or vegetable’s nutritional value, how to grow it, recipes, and lots more. There are plenty of puzzles and other fun activities, too. Since we’re way past Aunt Sammy these days, technologically speaking, the kit also includes a CD-ROM with more information and a DVD of “Cool Puppy Pup’s Picnic and Lunch Parties.”
So what’s cooking at the Federal level? Quite a bit! You can view Grow It, Try It, Like It here or browse through its components in a library. I suspect that even a lot of us who are way past the Cool Puppy Pup stage might learn something from these booklets – I didn’t inherit my grandmother’s green thumb, so maybe they could actually help me grow some of this stuff!
govbooktalk
Trudy Hawkins
Government Book Talk 
I just want to give a huge thumbs up for the great data you will have right here on this post.
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Thank you very so much
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Thanks for your great article useful information, wish you continued success.
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very so munch
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I have heard about aunty sammy’s radio recipes from one of my relative. Uncle sam’s pizza is famous worldwide.
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In preparation for the happiest holiday of the year, may your life be filled with joy.
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In preparation for the happiest holiday of the year, may your life be filled with joy.
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wow! I’m very impressed! great stuff… keep it up… dont’ lose the flow!
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Keith neil This is a attention-grabbing article by the way. I am going to go ahead and bookmark this post for my brother to read later on tomorrow. Keep up the good work….
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This is such a fun thing for kids to learn and adapt the right nutrition needed on food intake. Now a days, since food chains are everywhere we tend to forget the need of our children’s body. Thanks a lot for this information.
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Thanks! You’ll also want to get a copy of the brand new Dietary Guidelines For Americans, 2010 that replaces the old food pyramid with the newer, easier-to-understand food plate. Regards, GPOBookstore
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Very cool. Is there an archive of the Photographs?
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You can find images from the NARA “What’s Cooking with Uncle Sam?” exhibit on their site.
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let the recipes out !! . . LOL
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much needed information
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This is some important information that many of use have forgotten. It would be handy if the government would send out a leaflet or two giving parents an idea of what to feed their children.
You dont have to eat in McDonalds every day you know.
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Looks like interesting about the food chain and the proper nutrition food to be intake. This must be a great idea to maintain healthy body and healthy life. Much thanks for this post.
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I wanted to echo Jan’s comments, it’s too bad that we’re not eligible as parents to use this in our homes to raise our kids. it would be very helpful to teach them nutrition and sensibilities.
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This is such a fun thing for kids to learn and adapt the right nutrition needed on food intake. Now a days, since food chains are everywhere we tend to forget the need of our children’s body. Thanks a lot for this information.
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Is there a printed copy to buy, or is it only in digital format? I care for my grandchildren and have found that owning the book (or pamphlet) is the best way to keep them focused on the subject matter. If we borrow and return from the library, or if we read once on the PC,, the impact is only short-lived and does NOT create an ongoing interest in the subject matter.
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Jan, it seems that copies are available only to child care cernters. I think it’s beause the kit is mainly intended for teachers. Here’s the link, in case you want to pursue this:
Available: to child care centers only, upon request through Team Nutrition: http://tn.ntis.gov/
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Thanks for your timely response, but it appears that I’m not eligible. I’m not a teacher or child care center – I’m just a grandmother, trying to teach my grandchildren on a variety of subjects.
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[…] New York Times (available through free subscription) and the Washington Post. (Tip of the hat to the folks at Government Book Talk for the […]
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Need tips on planting melons,,and watermellons in Hurricane, Utah…which is hot in the high heat area..of Utah..in the summer mont
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Try your local USDA agriculture extension system office for advice. here’s a link to a map where you can find the office nearest you: http://www.csrees.usda.gov/Extension/index.html
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