This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. An Economic Rx for Generation Rx: A Made in America movement to restore the health of our country and kids with a new food economy. There is an explosion in the growth of farm to table programs, farmers markets, community supported agriculture and free-from products on grocery store shelves. From schools to corporations, people are getting involved. The landscape in front of us is wide open, the economic upside is enormous.
There is not a family in the country that isn't impacted by allergies, asthma, obesity, diabetes, cancer or some other disease. When these conditions impacted Robyn O'Brien's family, she took action. She left Wall Street and a career as a financial analyst that covered the food industry and now stands on the front lines of the food movement.
Her story will inspire you and her statistics will drop your jaw. The CIA ranks life expectancy at birth for kids born around the world. The US ranks 51st, just ahead of Bahrain. The United Nations ranks childhood well-being for the top 29 most developed countries. The U.S. ranks 26th, just ahead of Latvia, Lithuania and Romania. This data challenges how we view our country and ourselves. We can look at this as a crisis or as an opportunity. There is an explosion in the growth of 'free-from' products in the grocery stores, farm to table programs, farmers' markets and investment vehicles to convert farms. From schools to corporations, people are getting involved, creating jobs, new opportunities and health. It's time for a new food economy. It's an all-hands-on-deck time. The landscape in front of us is wide open and the economic upside is enormous.
About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)
