Jackson Free Press

Chef "Low" Fat Meat: "My health-conscious friends complained about the food I used to serve at my restaurant.

"To my detractors, please know that in 2006 I'll prepare low-fat burgers on the George Foreman grill. Baked fries, sprinkled with low-sodium salt, will replace fat fries. Fat meat buns will change to whole-wheat buns. Condiments will be calorie free.

"Soul food veggies will be seasoned with smoked turkey necks instead of ham hocks. And grilled chicken will substitute for fried chicken.

"My menu is on a diet because I see poor folk eat lots of junk and gain much weight. The home-cooked meal is non-existent. The up-sized fried meat and potato combo meal has replaced the bag lunch. And the breakfast-burrito-on-the-go jumpstarts the day.

"Stressed-out, financially challenged people wolf down their fast foods and overload on sweet treats because they cannot afford to buy, eat, and prepare whole fruits and vegetables. I believe the rich eat better than the poor.

"With all that said, come eat in good health at the New Low-Fat Meat and Dr. Collard Greene's Delights of the Garden Restaurant, home of the Cracked Wheat Colon Cleanse Salad with Special Guacamole Laxative Dressing, the Aphrodisiac Carob Cake and Grandpa Pookie's Organic Juicy-Juice Bar.

"Our slogan is: Chef 'Low' Fat Meat and Dr. Collard Greene makes healthy food for Po' folk."

Ken Stiggers is a TV producer in Jackson and the co-host of The Lyric Lounge Thursdays at Santiago's.

Previous Comments

ID

71306

Comment

If my parents would have named me Collard Greene, they would have had to lock me up with the Menendez Brothers!

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2006-01-19T11:40:53-06:00

ID

71307

Comment

I heard that some black folk name their children after automobiles--like cadilllac. And the name was pronounced Cah-Dill-Ack. I thought Collard, pronounced Coh-Lard, was appropriate...lol My question is: can poor folk afford to buy organic food.

Author

Stiggers

Date

2006-01-21T01:44:31-06:00

ID

71308

Comment

I heard that some black folk name their children after automobiles--like cadilllac. I hate that, but I think naming a kid after a cigarette is even worse. You know, Winston, Marlboro, etc. My question is: can poor folk afford to buy organic food. Not yet, or at least not their entire diet. I'm without funds myself, so I'll stop by Rainbow every now and then and try something.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2006-01-21T17:58:37-06:00

ID

71309

Comment

I hate that, but I think naming a kid after a cigarette is even worse. You know, Winston, Marlboro, etc. O.M.G., sista L.W. !!!! Naming kids after a cigarette! I'm cracking up!

Author

Stiggers

Date

2006-01-21T23:28:11-06:00

ID

71310

Comment

O.M.G., sista L.W. !!!! Naming kids after a cigarette! I'm cracking up! Yep, it's a shame. Did you see The Boondocks tonight? Says it all!

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2006-01-21T23:32:01-06:00

ID

71311

Comment

My question is: can poor folk afford to buy organic food. Not yet, or at least not their entire diet. I'm without funds myself, so I'll stop by Rainbow every now and then and try something. On the other hand, what is the long term cost savings? How much of the money they save on cheap, unhealthy food in the short run versus the hospital/doctor's bills in the long run?

Author

Philip

Date

2006-01-23T11:25:16-06:00

ID

71312

Comment

On the other hand, what is the long term cost savings? How much of the money they save on cheap, unhealthy food in the short run versus the hospital/doctor's bills in the long run? That's ideal, but unless the price of fresh produce, organic food, etc. decreases soon in order to accomodate the poor, that may not happen any time soon. Those who bring home little eat to survive. That's where moldy potatoes, ketchup soup and dog food meat loaf comes in. Sad, but true.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2006-01-23T21:16:01-06:00

ID

71313

Comment

On the other hand, what is the long term cost savings? How much of the money they save on cheap, unhealthy food in the short run versus the hospital/doctor's bills in the long run? Philip That's ideal, but unless the price of fresh produce, organic food, etc. decreases soon in order to accomodate the poor, that may not happen any time soon. Those who bring home little eat to survive. That's where moldy potatoes, ketchup soup and dog food meat loaf comes in. Sad, but true. L.W. Right-On, L.W. Makes me think of the movie "Soylent Green," starring Charlton Heston. Why do poor folk always lose?

Author

Stiggers

Date

2006-01-24T00:49:47-06:00

ID

71314

Comment

Never heard of "Soylent Green". I'll be renting that one if I can find it.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2006-01-24T09:50:55-06:00

ID

71315

Comment

Never heard of "Soylent Green". You ARE kidding, right? Classic. So many issues touched on in that movie. Not just world food shortages, either. Think of the whole "furniture" thing going on in there. Assisted suicide? How about state encouraged suicide? And of course the police weren't law enforcement anymore, they were status and wealth enforcement. I mean, some of the production values were a bit cheesy (it was 1973 after all), but no one should miss seeing it. L.W., not to ruin it for you but just remember, it's all about PEOPLE! :-)

Author

Rex

Date

2006-01-24T10:14:20-06:00

ID

71316

Comment

The movie also touched on issues concerning faith and religion. I remember my first time seeing the movie "Soylent Green" in 1976. I was a freshman at Pittsburgh Central Catholic H.S. It blew my mind then, and continues to blow my mind now. Peace,love and universal understanding.

Author

Stiggers

Date

2006-01-25T05:10:22-06:00

ID

71317

Comment

Natural Food, Unnatural Prices By Stan Cox http://www.alternet.org/story/31260/

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2006-01-25T22:24:54-06:00