49 million people in the U.S. – one in four children – don’t know where their next meal is coming from, despite our having the means to provide nutritious, affordable food for all Americans. Directors Kristi Jacobson and Lori Silverbush examine this issue through the lens of three people for who are struggling with food insecurity: Barbie, a single Philadelphia mother who grew up in poverty and is trying to provide a better life for her two kids; Rosie, a Colorado second-grader who often has to depend on friends and neighbors to feed her and has trouble concentrating in school; and Tremonica, a Mississippi second-grader whose asthma and health issues are exacerbated by the largely empty calories her hardworking mother can afford. Their stories are interwoven with insights from experts including sociologist Janet Poppendieck, author Raj Patel and nutrition policy leader Marion Nestle; ordinary citizens like Pastor Bob Wilson and teachers Leslie Nichols and Odessa Cherry; and activists such as Witness to Hunger’s Mariana Chilton, Top Chef’s Tom Colicchio and Oscar (R)-winning actor Jeff Bridges. Ultimately, Finding North shows us how hunger poses serious economic, social and cultural implications for our nation, and that it could be solved once and for all, if the American public decides – as they have in the past – that making healthy food available and affordable is in the best interest of us all.
-This is the official film description on RottenTomatoes.com
Image Source: YouTube.com and RottenTomatoes.com
Movie Reviews for A Place at the Table Documentary:
“A Place at the Table presents a shameful truth that should leave viewers dismayed and angry: This nation has more than enough food for all its people, yet millions of them are hungry.” -San Francisco Chronicle,
Walter V. Addiego
“An informative and often infuriating picture that deserves to be seen.” -Philadelphia Weekly, Sean Burns
Review by Rachel Avalon: “From the people who brought you the iconic documentary, FoodInc. comes a heartfelt and searingly poignant film about hunger and poverty in America. A Place at the Table is a strong call for economic justice and policy reform. Featuring personal stories and interviews from a range of activists, like Jeff Bridges and Marion Nestle, this movie is sure to help build empathy and action.”
A Place at the Table is rated PG and is suggested for viewers 9+ by CommonSenseMedia.org. You can read their summary of this film and specific guidance for parents.
Watch the movie trailer here:
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