In 2010, the UK's Jamie Oliver and his "Food Revolution" marched into Huntington, WV to battle bad eating habits. Jamie tried to educate students, teachers, administrators and parents on the value of good nutrition and the part it plays in a child's education, as well as their entire life. Huntington was chosen after being named "America's Fattest and Unhealthiest City" in a 2008 Associated Press article. Jamie threw out dumpsters full of junk food and fake meat, as well as hundreds of gallons of chocolate milk. It ended much like you might imagine. "We don't need some punk British chef tellin' us how to eat," said one young Huntington mother. "My boys are fat and happy! What's wrong with that?"
That's not to say the show wouldn't have a positive and lasting impact -- for other areas of West Virginia.
Enter Jared Fogle, the subway spokesman who lost 245 pounds thanks to regular exercise ...and eating Subway sandwiches. "I saw this as a chance to give back to the community -- and get my wife off my back. Once she's got something on her mind, she's as bad as my trainer. She won't let up!"
Jared, "The Subway Guy" spokesman for Subway since 2000, was prompted by his new wife, Katie McLaughlin Fogle to get involved. A teacher from West Virginia's northern panhandle, Katie hoped Jared would do for her old stomping grounds what Jamie Oliver was unable to do in Huntington.
"West Virginia used to have better eating habits when we were a farming community -- lots of pig meat and butter. Now all anyone thinks of is fast food. That's where I thought Jared and Subway could help. Of all the fast foods out there, Subway is the healthiest - just look at my hubby! He got me when he lost all that ugly weight!"
Jared called his contacts with Subway Restaurants who worked with area schools and local managers to give him all the support he needed. Talks began early last school semester and were finalized this summer.
Preston County School Superintendent, Dusty Book, told TheDiggerer, "Jamie Oliver meant well, but he went too far. I watched that show. The lunch staff had no idea how to prepare his meals and the kids didn't know what it was or even how to eat it. Imagine, giving school children utensils to eat with. It was nonsense. On the other hand, everybody love sandwiches! Plus, they are easy to make and easy to eat!
In several schools we have completely revamped our kitchens and turned them into full-blown Subway Restaurants. The change is exciting to see and the children are responding. Our 'School Lunch Ladies' are now fully trained "Sandwich Artists" and they love it! Who makes fun of Subway Sandwich Artists? No one! We're hoping this spreads to all of West Virginia."
The menu will be a modified selection of Subway's regular menu, and will include breads made fresh daily, sandwich meats and vegetables. Salads, soups and cookies are also available.
The price of the meals will be unchanged, with the cost of training and renovations being covered by in-school advertising and Subway branding.
