Rachael Ray's New Charity: Yum-o! Organization

Awhile ago, I wrote about Rachael Ray's new charity, which was tentatively called CAKE. Looks like that name got ditched, since the Alliance for a Healthier Generation had this to say about a new program: "The Alliance and Rachael Ray’s Yum-o! Organization partner to help families across America make healthier food choices." So, there you go! Rachael's new charity is still aimed at helping kids eat healthier, but it's name has changed to the Yum-0! Organization and it's got a fancy new interactive website. Yum-o!'s motto is: "Cook. Feed. Fund."

The organization's first task is a partnership with President Bill Clinton's Clinton Foundation and the American Heart Association's Alliance for a Healthier Generation to help parents offer their kids healthy meals. This partnership will be announced tomorrow on Rachael Ray's talk show, when President Clinton stops by for a visit.

Here's how the Alliance describes the program:

We know that parents and kids are pressed for time and it can be tricky to know how to cook basic, healthy meals that are quick and cost-effective. Plus, with all the easy access to inexpensive, fast food it can be really tough to ensure your family gets a nutritious, balanced diet. That’s why the Alliance, Rachael and Yum-o! have partnered to provide the right tools and know-how to help take control of your meals and improve your child’s eating habits at home and in school.

Together we will provide the right resources to . . .

EMPOWER kids and parents to make better food choices
ENERGIZE kids and families to take the Go Healthy Challenge
EDUCATE parents on how they can make a difference in the health of their children’s schools

I gotta say despite the cheesiness factor, I love the name "Yum-O!" for the charity. It's fun, it's lighthearted and it fits with Rachael's upbeat spirit. Plus, it's a great name if you're trying to appeal to kids. Some snooty name for it probably would have been disappointing.

I'm looking forward to all this organization will do to help fight childhood obesity and teach kids and families about good health choices. Although, to her credit, Rachael wants to make her work approachable for kids. She told the New York Times: "Me, I don’t want to talk about obesity. I want to talk about how fun healthy food is, period." Where do I sign up to help, Rach?

For now, I'll just spend some time exploring the new Yum-o! website....