In 2009, Americans were cleaning out their cupboards and rewriting grocery lists. The documentary, “Food Inc” had been released and all that witnessed it were awed by the harsh reality of our nations food industry.  The director, Robert Kenner, dug deep into the core of these large corporations to expose the processes in which food is made and why these offensive methods and formulas were being used….and protected.

Government agencies, such as the FDA and USDA, were shown to have been neglecting their duties and failing to keep the public safe. For example, a court decision found that cloned meat should not require labeling. They have been exposed as protectors of large corporations instead of U.S. citizens. The movie elegantly weaves a story of how and why these industries prevail, and why when we go to the local Wal-Mart and purchase a bottle of 5% juice with high fructose corn syrup, we let them. It is shocking to learn that 80% of supermarket foods are rearrangements of corn (even beef, as cattle have been trained to consume the cheap substitute of it’s natural food source, grass) or that marketing has been using different illustrations of the same scene, rural landscape kept intact by the reliable American farmer, when in reality large corporations have nearly eliminated the need for the traditional farmer through the use of large scale productions and genetically engineered foods.

 The research into the manufacturing processes of food products is astonishing. What’s more alarming is the illusion of choice, not only through the produce aisle, but also through our ability to obtain the food we desire. As a result of using cheap labor, processes, and ingredients, they are manufacturing products that the majority of people can afford while only the wealthier citizens are able to manage eating a pricier organic diet.  A part of why change comes so slowly is because corporations fall in line to the demands of its consumer, but while their cheap products are still on the shelf the average consumer will have a difficult time shelling out for the goods that will create this change.

The director makes a point to introduce the truth that we do have the power to demand clean, organic foods, that when we chose a food we are voting for “local or not, organic or not”  The impact the film has had has been astounding; people are asking questions and choosing more wholesome products. The choices the average consumer has made recently, even just the small purchase of organic canned soup over the more common brands, has contributed to the increase of organic and natural foods in our supermarkets. The takeaway message is that we, the public have the power over their businesses; we don’t have to stand up in court to vote yes to a more honest food industry.

 (This was my review for Journalism class)

Halloween is over (has been for days) I is so sad :(

I was a witch? lol, I only bought the cute little hat clip and a pair of long black and white socks.

I'm so festive :)

wellp, hello no shave November!