Congress Gets Healthy with 9-Year-Old Vegan Chef Noah Koch

The Physicians Committee recently hosted its second standing-room-only “Healthy on the Hill” luncheon on Capitol Hill for more than 120 staffers, interns, and journalists—and even a couple members of Congress—interested in learning more about the benefits of a plant-based diet. The presentation featured a vegan lunch and an interview with 9-year-old vegan chef Noah Koch, who recently won a White House recipe contest. Here is Noah Gittell, our director of government affairs, recapping the event:

Noah Koch isn’t your average 9 year old. Sitting at the front of a political briefing room packed with people three times his age, he looked perfectly at ease. “I fist bumped, shook hands, and high-fived the president!” Koch exclaimed. Most likely, this is more than any of us have done. But actually, it’s the least of his accomplishments. Just this year, Koch won the White House’s nutritious food contest sponsored by the “Let’s Move” campaign. Not only was his recipe absolutely delicious, it was also healthy and completely vegan. Koch’s Vegan Powerhouse Pesto Pasta recipe is truly a winning recipe that combines pasta, pesto sauce, vegetables, and avocado to make a delectable dish for the most discriminating diners. But as soon as the image of his Vegan Powerhouse Pesto Pasta was illuminated on the projector screen, he quickly clarified to all, “The picture is incorrect.” He pointed out that not only were the vegetables sliced improperly, but “then there’s Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top, which I do not like.” Noah is a perfectionist, and he won the contest for making a perfectly tasty, healthy, and nutritious meal without adding fatty cheese. But there was more to the event than young Noah. We debuted our new Healthy on the Hill: A Guide to Veg-Friendly Fare on Capitol Hill (PDF) brochure that shows Hill staffers all of the great restaurants that serve inexpensive, plant-based foods just steps from Capitol Hill. We raffled off some of Dr. Barnard’s books and a copy of the popular Forks Over Knives DVD. Finally, we showed attendees how easy it is to make delicious, nutritious food at home, even with their busy schedules. Ten easy breakfast, lunch, and dinner options were demonstrated in 10 short minutes. Our practical demonstration worked alongside Noah’s charm and dedication to show the audience how these simple nutritional changes can bring about life-altering transformations in health, both personally and nationwide. I look forward to seeing Noah lead a generation of young people who can change destructive food policies. So Mr. Koch, keep doing what you’re doing. Keep running your 5Ks, eating a fantastic diet, and enjoying your childhood. Although it may not seem like it now, you are setting a wonderful example for your friends, parents, teachers, and even members of Congress! With your efforts, it won’t be long before schools across the country begin offering vegetarian and vegan choices for children looking for healthier alternatives. So from one Noah to another, I’m sending a fist bump, handshake, and high-five your way.