Amy Gannon is a registered dietitian who lives and practices in Charleston. She earned an undergraduate degree in human nutrition and foods from West Virginia University and completed a master’s degree and dietetic internship at Marshall University. In 2005, she earned a Certificate of Training in Pediatric and Adolescent Weight Management from the American Dietetic Association. She has been a consultant dietitian for the HealthyKids Weight Management Program at Charleston Area Medical Center for five years. She has experience in clinical dietetics, sales, community nutrition and higher education. She is currently serving as president of the W.Va. Dietetic Association and works as a youth specialist for WVU Extension Service- Family Nutrition Programs. In addition, Gannon is an adjunct professor for the Marshall University School of Medicine and owns a private consultative nutrition practice in Charleston.

What was the second episode’s theme?
Overcoming personal and systematic challenge. The personal challenge refers to the familial changes that Jamie helped ignite. Although he gave the Edwards' family many tools to enact change, they still struggled to eat the foods that he purchased to prepare the new recipes. The systematic challenges refer to the multiple barriers that Jamie and the school personnel face on so many levels. Something as simple as using knives and forks instead of spoons creates controversy.

What wasn’t addressed?
Jamie worked hard to address many issues with the Edwards' family - providing cooking tips, healthy foods, recipes, one-on-one cooking demos, etc. However, even with all of this help, they continued to struggle with changing their eating habits. I was glad the children were able to visit with Dr. Bailes to address medical issues, but they need help in many other areas as well. I wish the producers of the show would have chosen to work with other health professionals, (counselors, psychologists, dietitians and exercise physiologists) to show that it often takes a "village" to help a family make permanent changes.

How were Huntington/ the school system portrayed?
Huntington was basically portrayed in a positive manner. Again, the beauty of the city was noted. The people of our region were portrayed as being resistant to change, however.
There were both positive and negative aspects displayed with the school system. The cooks, principal and food service director were shown in a more positive light this time and their desire to do the best thing for the children came through.
I was really astonished by the food environment of the cafeteria. The fact that the children are not normally provided with knives and forks is telling. The children obviously ate better when the staff walked around the cafeteria and encouraged them to try to food and showed them how to use the "new" utensils. This is a reflection of our society-at-large. As a society, we put meal time last. We find time to do just about everything (sports, social activities, etc), but cook a healthy meal. The school, like society, needs to bring back the importance of meal time. Giving meals the time they deserve and making meals an important part of the school's curriculum (by encouraging children to try foods, helping children cut foods, talking about what is served for lunch during classroom time), will bring about a more positive food environment.

Any progress made?
Yes, progress was made. The Edwards' family had a medical work up to rule out diabetes and had a refrigerator stocked with fresh produce. The school children tried new foods and liked them. The school staff began to see meal time differently and appreciate the effort of spending time with children while they eat.

Scripted vs. Impromptu?
Since this is a television show, obviously much of the episode is scripted- such as Jamie running in the pea costume. Although Jamie's confessional appears to be ad lib, I believe much of it is most likely scripted. I feel that most of the work that Jamie does in the school, and the one-on-one work with the family, is basically impromptu. It would be difficult to follow a script and cook a meal for over 400 children. Likewise, it would be difficult to get all of the children in the cafeteria to follow a script. Watching the children accept and enjoy nutrient rich foods is heartwarming and real.

Mary Cook works at Village of Barboursville Elementary as cafeteria manager. She is a resident of Barboursville and has been employed by the Cabell County Board of Education for 19 years. Before Village of Barboursville Elementary, she worked at Cabell Midland High School as a cook and Huntington High as a cafeteria manager. She graduated from Marshall University and has worked in some form of the food industry since she was 14. She had her own catering business for 10 years. She was president of the Parent-Teacher Association at Barboursville Elementary School for four years and Cabell County PTA president for two years. She has two children, three stepchildren and eight grandchildren.


What was your reaction to the second episode?
I felt the theme was getting away from processed foods. The chicken nugget demo was priceless, even seeing the disgusting products going in the students were still willing to eat the nugget. I think that the show picks at negative menus such as chicken nuggets. How often do you think we serve nuggets at school, once sometimes twice a month other then spaghetti or pizza (whole wheat) that is our biggest day? I think that you are not pointing out that we are meeting the state guidelines. You are telling the parents that our meals are not good, in my 19 years as a cook

I can honestly say that I have never used as much oil or cheese as we are using since we started your menus. Maybe you could mention all the foods that we made from scratch. I think that you made the school board and staff, come across as uncaring and unconcerned. You may not agree with the regulations and requirements of our state but the nutrients are all calculated in our meals. Serving raw vegetables and fresh fruit is nothing new to us.

Jamie I have been cooking your meals since November, our lunch count has dropped and we have more students bringing their lunches. You should take a look in the lunch boxes that would really make you cry. I think you have a good idea and you are headed in the right direction but you are giving the impression that school lunches are all bad. I hope you clear this up. We do all need to eat better and exercise more.

Tyson Compton, a native of Louisa, Ky., has served as president of the Cabell-Huntington Convention and Visitors Bureau since February 2009. Compton came to Huntington from the Paramount Arts Center in Ashland, where he was marketing director for 14 years. Prior to that, he was marketing director for a magazine publishing group in Los Angeles. Compton serves on the boards of Leadership Tri-State, the Southeast Tourism Society, Boyd County Foundation for Children, Youth Leadership and Clear Channel Radio Local Advisory Board. He is also a member of Huntington Rotary and is actively involved with Create Huntington. He is a graduate of Community Leadership Development, a member of ACTC/OU Diversity Committee and a member of the Country Music Highway Action Team.

What was the second episode’s theme?
For me, the main theme of the second episode centered on education in relation to what we eat. I found the scene where Jamie cut up the chicken carcass to make chicken nuggets fascinating. Don’t think I’ll be eating those any more! He continued the education process with the Edwards family, with the students, their parents and the school staff.

What wasn’t addressed?
I would really like to have seen some information on how the American diet has evolved (or devolved) over the years. Obviously, our habits didn’t develop overnight, but rather it would seem that our reliance on processed food came from the need for convenience on the consumer side and profitability at any cost on the producer side.
It would also be interesting to see the actual costs of the school meals before and after Jamie.

How were Huntington/ the school system portrayed?
I am so proud of the Huntington residents and school system employees that have participated to this point. A wide range of emotions and reactions has been displayed throughout this process and they can’t be viewed as right or wrong. They are all valid because they are real. I’m even rethinking my feelings about Jamie’s tears in the first episode as I found myself tearing up more than once as I watched this episode. I found the Edwards family to be very inspiring and I think that will be the case with families across the country. And I think the school officials and employees showed a lot of grit and pride. Watching those little guys proudly identify their vegetables after the teacher worked with them was awesome.

How incredible is it to see our city featured on a national television program that is being viewed by millions across the country? I would say that you can’t buy publicity like that. Bu you actually can – it would just cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. I’m anxious to offer my support to EMO and Huntington’s Kitchen, not just for what it has to offer our local community, but so that we can have visitors outside the area experience the kitchen and take back their positive comments on the Food Revolution to their hometowns.


Any progress made?
I definitely feel some progress is being made. Getting the parents of the young students behind the effort was a huge step forward. The visit to the doctor with the Edwards family was a stark eye opener for individuals of every age and seeing the kids enjoy the meal at the end showed that change is possible. Jamie’s got my support now and I’m anxious to see what’s next.

Forrest McGuire, 17, is a senior and student body president at Huntington High School, where part of "Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution" was filmed. He is captain of the Huntington High men's soccer team and a member of the Huntington High swim team. He is an active member in the HHS Young Republicans, Key Club and Student Council. He plans on attending Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, in the fall and majoring in business.

Reaction to watching first and second episodes on Friday, March 26:
I feel that right now it is mostly scripted, there is a little bit of his caring for the community but not much. Right now through the first episode the vibe that is being sent off is that it is mostly for the money and just to make his name big though a T.V. show. Maybe later when he actually connects with the people in Huntington and gets closer to them it will turn into something more than just a big money making plan.

What was the second episode’s theme?
It was a little like the first episode's theme which was getting kids to eat healthy, but it had more impact. The impact was made partially due to the fact that he went into the classroom and taught kids what the different vegetables were and brought the parents in to show them what their kids were eating, it sent out a powerful message.

What wasn’t addressed?
His plans on what to do after he successfully accomplishes getting the eating habits better in the elementary school. He mentioned that he wanted to try for other schools but it still seems to remain a mystery how or where he's going to try for that.

How were Huntington/ the school system portrayed?
In a lot better light. They did start out with proving (again) the ignorance of the children in the classroom, which was ridiculous to think that a kid that young would actually know what an eggplant was and then looking at them like they were mentally retarded. The other vegetables I can understand such as the tomatoes but when he pulled out he miscellaneous veggies and expected them to know it right off the bat was a little odd.
But in the end it turned out for the best, the teacher took it upon herself to teach the kids all of the vegetables that Jamie had shown them and also he ended up making peace with the cooks at the end of the show by giving them thank you letters written by the kids.

Any progress made?
A little, there are still a lot that are skeptical and in my eyes it is a little; most likely in Jamie's eyes it was a milestone. Getting the cooks acceptance, being able to go back to the school for the second week and also teaching the kids the different vegetables and giving them knowledge along with healthy food was a big plus. There is still a long ways to go, he has made progress in one small area and affected the school system in the elementary but he hasn't done much at all with the city or the rest of the 50,000 residents to try and change their habits at all.

Forrest McGuire, 17, is a senior and student body president at Huntington High School, where part of "Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution" was filmed. He is captain of the Huntington High men's soccer team and a member of the Huntington High swim team. He is an active member in the HHS Young Republicans, Key Club and Student Council. He plans on attending Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, in the fall and majoring in business.

What do you expect to see in this series?

To see Jamie Oliver find a target group of people in the community and set a goal for them to eat healthier and teach them how to cook healthier meals.

After seeing the first episode, what are you expecting from the rest of series?

I'm expecting to see a lot more change, he started out pretty shallow in the Central City Elementary school and didn't get too far being in there but i expect that he will expand his view to other schools and have more success there. Also it seems there will be a lot more drama being put into the series, with more people being aggitated and seeing Jamie cry more it looks like it will be a mix of a drama reality show tied in with a message of healthy eating.

How do you think Huntington/ the school system was portrayed?

Very poorly, it seems that they are basically calling everyone hillbillies and showing the kids having pure ignorance. I can see that it will be needed to create drama, especially between him and the cooks and i can see why it's needed to capture the viewers attention, but truthfully they are shedding a bad light on the Central City Elementary staff and kids. This will turn around hopefully to show that with such adversity in his way that Jamie can turn these kids who eat terrible food into healthy eating children through the program and eating styles he is endorsing.

Was your initial response to the episode positive or negative? Why?

Definitely negative. In this episode they piled in all the negative aspects of Huntington from going to the radio station, to the cafeteria at Central City Elementary and then to looking into the food qualifications down at his restaurant. This should as I mentioned earlier, build the drama that will then unfold into bringing Jamie into the spotlight later on in the series to glorify his work.

Does Oliver make it clear why he came here?

Yes, he explained well why he was here and what he planned on doing. He hasn't yet uncovered all of his plans on how to revolutionize an entire city, but he has started by "planting the seed" into the elementary school and then he will move on from there to "plant" more "seeds" for the revolution to fully take place.

Mary Cook's thoughts on first episode

Mary Cook works at Village of Barboursville Elementary as cafeteria manager. She is a resident of Barboursville and has been employed by the Cabell County Board of Education for 19 years. Before Village of Barboursville Elementary, she worked at Cabell Midland High School as a cook and Huntington High as a cafeteria manager. She graduated from Marshall University and has worked in some form of the food industry since she was 14. She had her own catering business for 10 years. She was president of the Parent-Teacher Association at Barboursville Elementary School for four years and Cabell County PTA president for two years. She has two children, three stepchildren and eight grandchildren.

QUESTION: What do you expect to see in this series?

"I expected the show to set Huntington and WV in a negative light. I was skeptical that this show was going to be informative as it is listed as a reality show."

QUESTION: After seeing the first episode, what are you expecting from the rest of series?

"After watching first episode I expect to see Jamie going through the difficult process of trying to change our mindset from processed to fresh."

QUESTION: How do you think Huntington/the school system was portrayed?

"I think Huntington was portrayed in a positive way, they showed some of the beauty in the town the hills and beautiful foliage. The school system, not in such a positive way. We do give our kids to many processed foods this comes from myself as a grandmother, a mother, and a cook. Jamie when you said we only use our ovens to heat food Not True."

QUESTION: Was your initial response to the episode positive or negative? Why?

"I enjoyed the show very much. He eased into the solutions for one of the nation’s biggest problems. I liked the family that Jamie is in the process of helping they were polite and accepting of the changes. I can’t wait to see what dad says about the changes. As for the school system -Hold your ground Rhonda and can Alice be changed?"

QUESTION: Does Oliver make it clear why he came here?

"I think he makes it very clear why he came to Huntington."

Reactions from Tyson Compton on the first episode

Tyson Compton, a native of Louisa, Ky., has served as president of the Cabell-Huntington Convention and Visitors Bureau since February 2009. Compton came to Huntington from the Paramount Arts Center in Ashland, where he was marketing director for 14 years. Prior to that, he was marketing director for a magazine publishing group in Los Angeles. Compton serves on the boards of Leadership Tri-State, the Southeast Tourism Society, Boyd County Foundation for Children, Youth Leadership and Clear Channel Radio Local Advisory Board. He is also a member of Huntington Rotary and is actively involved with Create Huntington. He is a graduate of Community Leadership Development, a member of ACTC/OU Diversity Committee and a member of the Country Music Highway Action Team.

QUESTION: What do you expect to see in this series?

TYSON COMPTON: “When I first heard about this project, I was pretty skeptical of it overall. I didn't relish dredging up that whole unhealthiest city business yet again. But through the process, I came to be supportive of it. If nothing else, Huntington was going to be in the national forefront when the show aired. Why not make the most and the best of it? However, I lived and worked in LA for 10 years and I know the entertainment industry. I also know that ‘reality’ tv does not necessarily reflect real life. So I knew there would be some tough moments in the show, most of which I expected to be seen up front. After all, it will be necessary to show the worst of the situation and our people in order for Jamie to realize his goal and share with our community a better way to eat, cook, and shop for food. I do believe we'll see some heartwarming moments. And I do believe that this show can illustrate to other communities across the country what can be done when you get the community behind you and you get behind the community. I try to eat healthy and I work out 3 days a week but I realize that I can still do better and I'm looking forward to being inspired by the underlying theme of this show.”

QUESTION: How do you think Huntington/ the school system was portrayed?

TYSON COMPTON: “Overall, Huntington and the school system were portrayed as entities that needed help. This was difficult to watch. I know many of these people and I know how hard they work and how much they care about the community. Our issues are no different than issues faced by schools and communities across the country. I do feel that the school was especially set up a bit to look negative.”

QUESTION: Was your initial response to the episode positive or negative? Why?

TYSON COMPTON: “I will have to say that my initial repsonse was mixed, partially negative and partially positive. Any attack, no matter how well intentioned on my community is difficult to accept. But overall, I'm moving toward positive. I think the impact of this show can be very, very positive for our community and we can be the leader of change in communities across the country. I especially salute those who went into this programming not knowing how it would culminate.”

QUESTION: Does Oliver make it clear why he came here?

TYSON COMPTON: “ I think Jamie does make it clear why he is here. I have to admit that his tearful scene on camera was a bit too Hollywood for me. I can't say if it was real or not - only he knows that. But otherwise he does a good job of explaining why he is here and why this type of education is important for him.”

Amy Gannon's thoughts on the first episode

Amy Gannon is a registered dietitian who lives and practices in Charleston. She earned an undergraduate degree in human nutrition and foods from West Virginia University and completed a master’s degree and dietetic internship at Marshall University. In 2005, she earned a Certificate of Training in Pediatric and Adolescent Weight Management from the American Dietetic Association. She has been a consultant dietitian for the HealthyKids Weight Management Program at Charleston Area Medical Center for five years. She has experience in clinical dietetics, sales, community nutrition and higher education. She is currently serving as president of the W.Va. Dietetic Association and works as a youth specialist for WVU Extension Service- Family Nutrition Programs. In addition, Gannon is an adjunct professor for the Marshall University School of Medicine and owns a private consultative nutrition practice in Charleston.

QUESTION: What do you expect to see in this series?

AMY GANNON: “I expect to see a reality show with heart. Basically, Jamie Oliver has picked up on the obesity epidemic. I'm sure that he has good intentions for Huntington, but I know this is a reality show. He will show people that are resistant to change. I believe the idea is for Jamie to ride in on his white horse and save us all from ourselves- again, it is a reality show. I hope for two things: #1- he doesn't portray us with stereotypical Appalachian negativity and #2- the community learns something from this and does actually become healthier.”

QUESTION: After seeing the first episode, what are you expecting from the rest of series?

AMY GANNON: “ I expect more of what he showed tonight. Resistance regarding poor food choices and processed foods in schools. I expect that children will come around and start enjoying whole foods and realize that processed foods taste horrible compared to fresh. I expect that he will meet with more community people and the series will show the transition from bad eating and physical activity habits to good habits.”

QUESTION: How do you think Huntington/ the school system was portrayed?

AMY GANNON: “He really didn't portray the school system, just the food. In my opinion, last night's show was a poor reflection on the school food system. It seemed as if people didn't care that the children were eating so much processed food- and lots and lots of starch, fat and sugar. I don't think that's the real issue though. It's not that the cooks, principal, food service director, etc don't care. It's just that they have to work within the boundaries that they're given and follow USDA regulations. Clearly, there are issues on many levels.

QUESTION: Was your initial response to the episode positive or negative? Why?

AMY GANNON: “My initial response was positive. As a health care professional (Registered Dietitian), I am keenly aware of the childhood obesity epidemic. This is a battle that dietitians have been fighting for many years. I'm glad that Jamie Oliver is shedding light on this horrible situation. The only negative thing I can say is that I wish he would involve dietitians in creating nutritional change.”

QUESTION: Does Oliver make it clear why he came here?

AMY GANNON: “ Absolutely. He wants to change the food environment in the unhealthiest city in America. His motivation for this? Obviously, he's getting a reality show out of it. Otherwise, I'm still not sure about the motivation.”

Meet our panelists

“Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution” premiered Sunday night on ABC to mixed reactions. The Herald-Dispatch has asked a few local residents to watch the show each week and share their thoughts on this blog.

Here are our panelists:

Forrest McGuire, 17, is a senior and student body president at Huntington High School, where part of "Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution" was filmed. He is captain of the Huntington High men's soccer team and a member of the Huntington High swim team. He is an active member in the HHS Young Republicans, Key Club and Student Council. He plans on attending Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, in the fall and majoring in business.

Tyson Compton, a native of Louisa, Ky., has served as president of the Cabell-Huntington Convention and Visitors Bureau since February 2009. Compton came to Huntington from the Paramount Arts Center in Ashland, where he was marketing director for 14 years. Prior to that, he was marketing director for a magazine publishing group in Los Angeles. Compton serves on the boards of Leadership Tri-State, the Southeast Tourism Society, Boyd County Foundation for Children, Youth Leadership and Clear Channel Radio Local Advisory Board. He is also a member of Huntington Rotary and is actively involved with Create Huntington. He is a graduate of Community Leadership Development, a member of ACTC/OU Diversity Committee and a member of the Country Music Highway Action Team.

Mary Cook works at Village of Barboursville Elementary as cafeteria manager. She is a resident of Barboursville and has been employed by the Cabell County Board of Education for 19 years. Before Village of Barboursville Elementary, she worked at Cabell Midland High School as a cook and Huntington High as a cafeteria manager. She graduated from Marshall University and has worked in some form of the food industry since she was 14. She had her own catering business for 10 years. She was president of the Parent-Teacher Association at Barboursville Elementary School for four years and Cabell County PTA president for two years. She has two children, three stepchildren and eight grandchildren.

Amy Gannon is a registered dietitian who lives and practices in Charleston. She earned an undergraduate degree in human nutrition and foods from West Virginia University and completed a master’s degree and dietetic internship at Marshall University. In 2005, she earned a Certificate of Training in Pediatric and Adolescent Weight Management from the American Dietetic Association. She has been a consultant dietitian for the HealthyKids Weight Management Program at Charleston Area Medical Center for five years. She has experience in clinical dietetics, sales, community nutrition and higher education. She is currently serving as president of the W.Va. Dietetic Association and works as a youth specialist for WVU Extension Service- Family Nutrition Programs. In addition, Gannon is an adjunct professor for the Marshall University School of Medicine and owns a private consultative nutrition practice in Charleston.

Oliver to be on "Nightline" tonight

Jamie Oliver will be on tonight's episode of ABC's "Nightline."

Read more about it at our Stay Tuned blog, written by TV blogger Angela Henderson.

ABC moves up premiere date for Jamie Oliver show

HUNTINGTON -- ABC is offering an early sneak peak of "Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution" at 10 p.m. Sunday, March 21.

The premiere episode of the show will replay at 8 p.m. Friday, March 26, followed by the second episode of the show. The sneak peak episode will follow a new episode of the network's popular "Desperate Housewives."

"Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution" focuses on Oliver's efforts in Huntington last year to promote healthier eating habits by encouraging food preparation from fresh ingredients.

Those efforts were focused on local schools, families and a kitchen to teach people how to cook.

Cabell County Schools is working to implement Oliver's menu and the kitchen, now called Huntington's Kitchen, is offering low-cost cooking classes for local residents.

The ABC description of the second episode details Oliver's work and disagreements with cooks at Central City Elementary and school system administrators, as well as some opposition from local radio disc jockey Rod Willis.

Check this blog each week for news on the show and what local residents think of each episode.