She left her corporate job to teach kids to eat healthy.

Why she says our food is killing us and our children

MICHIGAN — Lisa Jendza, founder of Freedom Kitchen, is on a mission to transform how children and adults think about food, health, and critical thinking.

In a recent interview with Dave on his show, Jendza discussed the poor quality of school lunches and the broader implications of processed foods on health. Dave, prompted by a conversation with his wife and insights from an international chef and his doctor, connected with Jendza through social media after expressing frustration about the state of food in schools.

“Our freedom begins and ends in our kitchen,” Jendza said, highlighting the role of cooking in teaching critical thinking and promoting well-being.

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Jendza’s journey began with degrees in management and technology, leading to a 25-year career with companies like GM, EDS, and Hewlett-Packard. Her path took a turn when her own health issues forced her to reassess her lifestyle. Traditional medicine failed to provide holistic solutions, prompting Jendza to make significant changes to her diet and lifestyle. This personal transformation led her to become a health coach.

“For 16 years, the number one question I’ve faced is ‘What does healthy look like?’” Jendza said. This question inspired her to develop cooking classes to show what healthy eating looks like in practice.

Initially focused on adults, Jendza shifted to teaching children five years ago after being invited to create a kids' cooking program by the Oxford Virtual Academy in Michigan. The program, which has since expanded significantly, has resonated deeply with children and their families.

Jendza noted the challenges of changing school food systems, pointing out the financial incentives that often hinder progress. Despite these challenges, she remains committed to educating children directly, believing they can drive change from the bottom up.

“Kids go through my program, go home, and start telling their parents about healthier choices,” she said. “It’s a grassroots effort, quite literally.”

Dave and Jendza also discussed the systemic issues in the food industry, including the influence of large corporations and misleading marketing messages. Jendza emphasized the importance of questioning and critical thinking, encouraging both children and adults to scrutinize the information they receive.

Looking ahead, Jendza envisions passing the torch to the next generation, empowering them to lead healthier lives and make informed choices about their food. She invited viewers to visit FreedomKitchenKids.com for more information and to get involved.

Dave thanked Jendza for her insights and expressed a desire to continue the conversation in future interviews, recognizing the importance of discussing issues that truly matter to people’s health and well-being.

For more information, visit Freedom Kitchen Kids.