Chances are, if you're a food nerd like me, you probably already know much of the information presented in the new movie Food, Inc.. The film is co-produced by Eric Schlosser, author of Fast Food Nation, and features a lot of input from author Michael Pollan, who wrote In Defense of Food and The Omnivore's Dilemma. So if you've read all these books, you're probably going to see the film anyway. (If only Marion Nestle had made an appearance, it'd be a Food Nerd's Trifecta.)
But if you're not into the subject, Food, Inc. is a concise collection of the most important information about what Americans are eating, where it comes from, and the dangers resulting from the industrialization of our food supply. Director Robert Kenner has created an—if I may—easy-to-swallow summary of the vital facts, from high-fructose corn syrup to food borne illnesses to the treatment of animals. More importantly, it's more palatable for the squeamish than the movie version of Fast Food Nation, after which this die-hard carnivore ("Can I have some meat on top of that meat?") couldn't eat meat for about a month. I watched Food, Inc. with a fellow Phillyist who was convinced the film would make her cry by depicting poor treatment of animals, and as far as I know, she remained tear-free through the screening. (Not to say it's all sunshine and rainbows, just that I wasn't nauseated after.)
If you are more than a little bewildered by recent food safety issues, including wanton bacteria showing up in your (GAH!) peanut butter and for the love of all things holy, Toll House cookie dough, Food, Inc. (and books by the film's participants if you want to dig deeper) will clear up a lot and give you some insight into what Americans are eating, why it's not optimal for our health and well-being, and how you can take action. It's easy to write all this off as hippie propaganda, but really, the science behind the movement is pretty solid: the food we eat is making us not just fat, but sick, and there's no reason it has to. The movie's website offers more information, including trailers, a reading list, and a blog.
Food, Inc. is playing exclusively in Philadelphia at The Ritz at the Bourse. Go. Now. See the film and share your thoughts.
Image Credit: Food, Inc. website
