Since food has been my focus these past
few months as I geared up for planting season I thought it was about
time that I presented what I thought are three excellent food and
agriculture documentaries that really bring to light what food is
really about in the modern age. While these three only cover a
smattering of what is out there they do provide a cross section that
I feel is relevant and important.
If you want to learn more about food and agriculture as it is today what I have here in this post would be a excellent start to your journey. But what can be found here is but the tip of the iceberg and I will caution that some of the assertions made in the documentaries must be approached with a open mind and a grain of salt.
Enjoy
Food Inc.
A 2008 documentary that delves deep into the sometimes shady world of industrial agriculture and food production. It brings some alarming facts and truths to light about food production in our modern world. Divided up into 3 segments the first dealing with meat production, the second with grain production and finally with the economic and policy influence that large agribusinesses can exert on government regulatory bodies like the USDA and FDA. I found this documentary to be very eye opening and shocking with some of the imagery it found showing how large agribusiness farms treat animal like disposable bits of trash. However the part that is most interesting in my opinion is when it looks into just how much influence these agriculture companies have in our government. It really is a must see documentary for anyone interested in how food is grown and produced in America.
Forks over Knives
This documentary delves into the claim that food can be used to treat most if not all of the ailments that plague mankind. From heart disease to cancer it asserts that with the proper diet of fresh, nutrient, dense foods and exercise we could potential stave of old age and be illness free for our suddenly longer lives. While the claims of the film haven't been scientifically proven and only a few studies like the China Study show any glimmer of hope for the idea. But unproven claims aside the documentary does offer a new and obviously healthier way to live if we wanted to embrace it.
Dive-Living off Americas Waste
Following the exploits of a dumpster diving man named Jeremy Seifert he shows just how much food is tossed out by grocery, department, and bulk purchase stores in America. A lot of food in the dumpsters is still perfectly edible and with the little know how easy to eat. He and his family eat well from what other people throw away on a nightly basis. One of my favorite parts of the film is were a chef friend of his prepares a gourmet meal that would have cost them a good bit of money at his restaurant from what they gathered from dumpsters. It is eye opening film that really shows how wasteful we are as a society when it comes to our food.
If you are interested in purchasing these documentries they can be found under the Green Reading catagory in the Young Environmentalist store.
Unitl next time
Josh
