So last month I finally got with the program and watched Food, Inc. I would definitely recommend that everyone should see it, but please don't settle down to watch it with a McDonald's value meal on your coffee table. It is not an enjoyable dinner film, unless you have a thing for dead chickens, stories of babies being poisoned by e-coli and ridiculous government regulations.
There will be issues addressed in this movie that will make you angry, no matter what your hot-button issues may be. If you love animals, you'll be appalled at the factory farming practices employed by the major food companies. I personally am not a gigantic animal rights person, but since seeing the movie, I can't get the picture of baby chickens falling off a conveyor belt out of my head. If you hate the government, you'll be appalled by the way lobbyists have changed the way food gets to our tables. It truly is all about money, and these people are putting our health at risk to turn a profit, which is just appalling. This movie will make you think, guaranteed.
At the end of the movie, they make a big point of saying that consumers cast their vote for the future of the food industry by voting with their wallets. I really took that to heart, and it's made it difficult to feel good about going to McDonald's or buying Rice-a-Roni by the case. I'm lucky enough to make a pretty good living and I have the luxury of being able to buy organic produce and meat. After seeing this movie and doing more research about factory farming, I've been eating less meat in general, buying organic and trying to eat local. I realize that this is not feasible for everyone, but hopefully as outrage over these practices and the results they've shown in the world grows, this will change. Hopefully.
"The Omnivore's Dilemma" by Michal Pollan did that for me a few years ago. Had a drive way moment when he was interviewed on NPR and got the book.
ReplyDeleteCorn, we are all mostly corn now. Or soy.
In everything.
Grass fed beef all the way, baby.
Eggs from chickens who run around outside and eat bugs.
I too am very fortunate to live in an area where being a "localvore" is encouraged.
But like you said, not everyone is.
Some folks don't even have a grocery store in their neighborhood, only fast food. That needs to change, but I sure don't know how to do it.
This movie and the book In Defense of Food have changed my life completely.
ReplyDelete"The Omnivore's Dilemma" by Michal Pollan did that for me a few years ago. Had a drive way moment when he was interviewed on NPR and got the book.
ReplyDeleteCorn, we are all mostly corn now. Or soy.
In everything.
Grass fed beef all the way, baby.
Eggs from chickens who run around outside and eat bugs.
I too am very fortunate to live in an area where being a "localvore" is encouraged.
But like you said, not everyone is.
Some folks don't even have a grocery store in their neighborhood, only fast food. That needs to change, but I sure don't know how to do it.