The U.S. is experiencing an epidemic of childhood obesity, directly related to poor nutrition. Statistics show that one in three children born today will have diabetes by the time they are 21.

Fortunately, the Heirloom Tomatoes authors of the well-known book, Locally Delicious, are working toward a solution. Their latest book, LunchBox Envy, is a collaborative community effort designed to educate and inspire families across the nation to live healthier, happier, more delicious lives.

This creative approach to healthy food brings together nutrition education information, the practicality of easy-to-use recipes, and the thrill of an original graphic novel. It also gives the reader common sense information that makes shopping, cooking and healthy eating affordable. It’s straightforward and transformational, and will motivate families to have fun as they develop healthy eating habits.

This kid-friendly guide to good food and healthy lifestyles provides tools for:

o Balanced nutrition

o Meal planning

o Finding and affording healthy food

o Basic time-efficient cooking

o Building a more sustainable food system

LunchBox Envy is an invaluable resource to help families change the course of their lives as they improve their relationship to food.

Any family who encounters this inventive book will walk away empowered and ready to create enviable lunches - tasty, healthy, affordable and easy to prepare.

December book signings:

o Dec. 1: Eureka Books, 426 Second St., Eureka Arts Alive, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

o Dec. 6: Blake’s Books, McKinleyville Open House, Totem Center, 5 p.m.

o Dec. 8: Pierson’s, 4100 Broadway, Eureka, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

o Dec. 14: Northtown Books, 957 H St., Arts Arcata, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

For more information write to P.O. Box 309, Arcata, CA 95518, call (707) 822-5583 or go to info@locally-delicious.com www.locally-delicious.org.