Hannah King of Dallas Wins Food & Water Watch’s “Take Home Chef Rocky” Contest

Hannah King of Dallas Wins Food & Water Watch’s “Take Home Chef Rocky” Contest

Washington, D.C.–Food & Water Watch, a national consumer advocacy organization, today announced Hannah King of Dallas, Texas, as the grand prizewinner of the “Take Home Chef Rocky” contest. King’s YouTube video was selected from among dozens of entries from across the country and features King, who has multiple sclerosis, in her kitchen talking directly to the camera about why she needs Chef Joseph “Rocky” Barnette to come to her home and transform her lifestyle. The “Take Home Chef Rocky” contest is part of Food & Water Watch’s Edible EcoUnderground initiative, an innovative new venture that aims to get people more involved with the purchasing, preparation and enjoyment of their food, and help consumers get the information they need to make healthy, sustainable eating choices.

Formerly the Executive Sous-Chef at The Inn at Little Washington in Washington, Va., Chef Rocky now works with Food & Water Watch as an executive chef and restaurant liaison, traveling around the country to promote sustainable, healthy eating.

“I believe that no matter what a person’s individual circumstance—be it impoverishment, physical disability, geographic isolation or the perception that there is just not enough time—we all have the ability to simply eat better for our health, the health of our environment, and the health of our relationships with our families and community,” said Chef Rocky. “I try to reinforce this belief by teaching people how to consciously procure ingredients and skillfully prepare them so that the whole process is as enjoyable as eating the final product.”

As part of the grand prize, Chef Rocky will travel to King’s home in Dallas on Tuesday, October 13 and help her shop, cook and serve a delicious and sustainable meal. As part of the Edible EcoUnderground initiative, Chef Rocky will also help King relate to food as part of a sustainable lifestyle, shop smartly and frugally to get delicious results, and become an enthusiast for sustainable living.

“Many people who are differently abled imagine that cooking a sustainable meal demands skills they can’t possibly develop” said King. “I hope that many more of those who are challenged by health problems will realize they don't need to eat frozen TV dinners and canned food anymore.”

Food & Water Watch, a nonprofit consumer organization based in Washington, D.C., works to ensure clean water and safe food in the United States and around the world. We challenge the corporate control and abuse of our food and water resources by empowering people to take action and transforming the public consciousness about what we eat and drink. For more information, visit www.foodandwaterwatch.org. To view King’s YouTube video entry, visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLpOf7okmh0.