395. Facing the Politics of Our Food System Head On
Sep 21, 2023
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Listen to a discussion with Michael Pollan and Marion Nestle, authors, and Robert Kenner and Melissa Robledo, filmmakers, as they reflect on the changes in the food system since Food, Inc. was released in 2008. Topics include the influence of multinational corporations on the U.S. government, the effectiveness of guiding eaters towards different choices, and the significance of engaging with the political system for real change.
The sequel film highlights the rise of ultra-processed foods and the need to consider sustainable alternatives like plant-based diets.
The panel discussion emphasized the importance of empathy, activism, and engaging with the political system to drive food systems change.
Deep dives
The Impact of Food Inc. Documentary Sequel
Food Inc. filmmakers reunite with Michael Pollan and Eric Schlosser to explore the vulnerabilities of our food system and the need for change. The pandemic highlighted the issues of food waste, worker abuse, and the dangers of a consolidated food system. The filmmakers decided to create a sequel due to these pressing concerns, including the looming threat of climate change. The film emphasizes the importance of political action and building a movement to address systemic issues. The panel discussion after the screening touched on the need to engage with the political system, the rise of the citizen eater, and the momentum around food and farm workers' rights.
The Politics and Health Implications of Ultra-Processed Foods
The sequel film highlights the rise of ultra-processed foods and its negative impact on health. The concept of ultra-processed foods is a relatively new one that has gained significant attention in nutrition research. These foods are made with ingredients that are not commonly found at home and often result in chronic diseases and other health problems. The film also explores the importance of considering sustainable alternatives, such as plant-based diets. However, there is ambivalence regarding these new food trends and their long-term impact on health and the environment.
The Role of Empathy and Activism in Food Systems Change
The panel discussion emphasized the need for empathy and activism in driving food systems change. Empathy is crucial in understanding the challenges faced by individuals throughout the food system, including workers, producers, and retailers. The film also highlights the power of collective action and the importance of becoming a food advocate or activist. Building a movement requires organizing, setting goals, and engaging with the political system. The panelists emphasized that change will come from both individual actions and systemic interventions.
The Need for Continued Momentum and Policy Change
While the pandemic exposed the vulnerabilities and inequalities in the food system, it is crucial to recognize that change requires ongoing efforts. The panelists stressed the importance of maintaining momentum and working towards policy changes that address the root causes of food system issues. They discussed the need for regulatory actions, such as changing the evaluation criteria for corporations on Wall Street to prioritize social responsibility. The sequel film also highlighted the urgency of addressing confinement practices, genetic jumping, and antibiotic resistance in intensive animal systems, making the case for a more sustainable and equitable food system.
Following a sneak peek screening of the new Food, Inc. 2, Dani sat down with Michael Pollan of The Omnivore’s Dilemma, Marion Nestle of Food Politics, and the filmmakers Robert Kenner and Melissa Robledo. They discuss the biggest changes they have observed since the release of Food, Inc. in 2008, the hold that multinational corporations have on the U.S. government, and whether guiding eaters toward different choices is enough to drive the food systems change we want to see. In Food, Inc. 2, the sequel to the Oscar®-nominated and Emmy®-award winning documentary, Food, Inc., filmmakers Robert Kenner and Melissa Robledo reunite with investigative authors Michael Pollan and Eric Schlosser to take a fresh look at our efficient yet vulnerable food system. This conversation, hosted by Food Tank, Participant, River Road, and NYU Steinhardt, was part of Food Tank’s NYC Climate Week programming that positioned food and agriculture systems as a solution to the climate crisis.
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