I finally saw Food, Inc. last night. I say finally because it has been playing in other markets for weeks now, but just opened in Wichita on Friday.
I read Michael Ruhlman’s review of the film long before I actually saw it, and his response was similar to mine: he wept. And he didn’t quite understand why. Neither did I. I’ve spent the past few months voraciously reading everything I could about food safety and where our food comes from. And yet it was different to SEE it. To see how factory farm animals and workers are treated. To see how midwestern farmers are losing the battle against huge corporations. To see the consequences of wanting to produce more food faster, cheaper.
But I also cried because I was inspired. Farmer Joe Salatin of Polyface Farms is an example of what a modern day farmer should be. Stonyfield Yogurt CEO, Gary Hirshberg, may have figured out how to combine sustainability, quality and profitability in a way that benefits both consumers and big business. Barbara Kowalcyk, whose 2 year old son died from a burger tainted with E.coli, has been fighting for food safety in Washington for more than ten years. Her story will simultaneously break your heart and motivate you to learn more and, more importantly, do something.
If you haven’t seen Food, Inc. yet, I highly recommend it. And if you have seen it, talk about it. Tell everyone you know. Knowledge really is power.
As Michael Ruhlman said:
Food, Inc. makes two points very well that are worth repeating and then I’ll shut up. One: wherever and whenever, try to know or find out the source of your food. And two: every time you buy food, it’s a vote for more of that food; if it’s excellent, you’re asking for more; if it’s shitty food, you’re asking for more.
Additional resources:
Millions Against Monsanto Campaign
Factory Farming Campaign by the HSUS
National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition
What’s On My Food?
Center for Foodborne Illness
Center for Food Safety
Local Harvest
Civil Eats
La Vida Locavore
Food Renegade
The Omnivore’s Dilemma
