Food, Inc., “lifts the veil on our nation’s food industry, exposing the highly mechanized underbelly that has been hidden from the American consumer with the consent of our government’s regulatory agencies, USDA and FDA.”  The movie discusses how the industry has changed over the last few decades, consumer health, American farmers and other topics relating to agriculture.

As with any documentary of this sort, it presents a one-sided argument, although this one I agree with.  I do believe the food industry has gotten out of hand with the number of multinational conglomerates that have taken over.  Why should a hamburger at McDonald’s cost less than carrots at the supermarket?  Logically it does not make sense when more components are involved with the creation of the burger.  It also was a bit scary that a typical grocery store contains over 42,000 different items, 90% of which contain corn or soy.

Unfortunately, I believe the movie was a bit too short and glossed over the points I thought were the most interesting.  The bulk of the time the film was exposing wrongdoings with the agriculture industry (there are a lot).  There were only a few brief minutes discussing how the organic industry has evolved.  For example, Stonyfield Farm, the #3 yogurt producer in the United States is now owned by the Dannone Group and supplies Wal-mart.  I think the argument Gary Hirshberg (CEO of Stonyfield) brought up was very thought provoking.  He felt for every million Wal-mart spent buying organic, it was one less million spent on non-organic.  Of course, that million is going to his company, so it’s not surprise he’s supporting it.  I would have loved to have seen some people’s views supporting and opposing this theory.

I’m a big supporter of making small changes.  I think it’s unrealistic for everyone to stop what they’re doing and only buy organic and local foods.  I think the suggestions for everyone at the end of the movie were things people already knew for the most part.  I’ve listed them below, with my comments in italics ;

1. Stop drinking sodas and other sweetened beverages – Did I just watch Food Inc. or Fast Food Nation?
   
2. Eat at home instead of eating out - Duh, it saves money and is healthier
   
3. Support the passage of laws requiring chain restaurants to post caloric information on menu and menu boards – Isn’t this already passed?
   
4. Tell schools to stop selling sodas, junk food, and sports drinks – I don’t have kids, not applicable
   
5. Meatless Mondays – go without meat one day a week – I agree with this.  Personally I think everyone could benefit from some extra legumes
   
6. Buy organic or sustainable food with little or no pesticides – Great if you can afford it, see further comments below
   
7. Protect family farms; visit your local farmer’s markets – Usually prices are good and the food variety is better.  Also look into CSA boxes, they tend not to be outrageously expensive
   
8. Make a point to know where your food comes from – Read labels – Duh
   
9. Tell congress that food safety is important to you – I think they should have told us how to do this
   
10. Demand job protections for farm workers and food processors, ensuring fair wages and other protections – See comment for #9

Personally, I would have liked to see more information on how to make an impact.  These last ten items were almost an afterthought to the movie.  For example, suggestions on  how to make a difference when on a tight budget is just one item that would have been more interesting.  Additionally, I was surprised the website did not go into further detail on the ways you can make small changes.  Rome wasn’t built in a day and the entire US Food System isn’t going to change overnight either.

Criticism aside, I think everyone should go see the film.  I had no idea that over 80% of meat products are controled by 4 companies (as opposed to 5 companies controling less than 40% in 1970).  It’s those small nuggets of information that make the movie worthwhile.  It’s important to see what you’re feeding your body.  If you don’t take care of yourself, who else will?

Gross exaggerations aside, the proliferation of organic food has swept the country and become mainstream.  It’s almost impossible to enter a grocery store these days without seeing the phrases, “Locally Grown” or “All Natural.”  The Organic Trade Associate estimates sales in the US to reach $23 billion in 2008, a 19% compounded annual growth rate since 1990.  Whole Foods’  2007 acquisition of Wild Oats even got Wall Street involved, providing ~$700 million in financing.

One of the newest services in organic produce comes to Boston in the form a green box, and no, it’s not the Green Monster.  Boston Organics, recommended by my sister and her fiancée, provides a weekly or biweekly [reusable] box of fresh organic produce delivered directly to your doorstep.

Since I am only one person, I chose the smallest biweekly box for $30.  The service is selectively customizable to allow customers to pick their fruit/veggie ratio.  I say selectively because the list of produce is pre-determined, so you can’t peruse an online inventory to find what you want.  I actually find this somewhat refreshing for a couple of reasons.  First, since the produce is mostly local, you’re receiving what’s in season and therefore best tasting.  In addition, variety is the spice of life.  I’m hoping to receive some items I wouldn’t normally purchase in the grocery store.  This will force me to mix up what I’m eating and try new recipes or cooking techniques.

People with allergies shouldn’t be concerned.  They do have a “No-List” for items you don’t want to receive.  It’s a no questions asked online check list.  You don’t like peaches, you’re sick of zucchini…no problem, just update your list and next week it’s guaranteed not to show up.  My sister is allergic to limes (which makes for disappointing gin & tonics), so they are on her black list.

The quality of the produce I received today was great, and the nectarine I ate earlier was delicious.  I hope the expansion of Boston Organics does not affect the quality, since that is always a concern as companies grow.  Until then, my fridge is full and I am quite content eating away

$30 box for 8.12.08

• 2 Pink Lady Apples
• Bunch of bananas
• 2 Nectarines
• 2 Pluots
• 2 Peaches
• 1 Cabbage
• 1 Green Lead Lettuce
• 3 Ears of Corn
• 1 Cucumber
• Bunch of Scallions
• 2 Eggplants
• 3 mini yellow zucchini/squash