It was announced earlier this week that Food, Inc, has been nominated for an Oscar for best documentary! For all of you who have not seen it, the film is a documentary focusing on modern food production and an in-depth look at what it takes to bring food to our tables every day. It is a sobering look at the realities of industrialized food production that makes one think about moving to a farm and eating sprouts all year-round. It also has a relatively long featured about the Polyface farm, with which I had been fascinated while reading Omnivore’s Dilemma. It’s near Charlottesville, where I will be headed next weekend. Perhaps I will get to indulge in some of their wares.
Contrary to some people, the film did not make me want to give up meat nor did it make me nauseous (similar to how reading The Jungle actually made me have a craving for Chicago hot dogs). But, it does make you think about changing your ways and what you value as being important. In my honest opinion, it vilifies big business a bit too much (but you all know my position on that), but directionally I am totally in alignment with what the filmmakers are saying.
In a related note, the midtown farmer’s market is not a sad representation of what it once was. Apples and potatoes are about all that you get, with the odd head of cabbage here or there. It makes me feel sad inside.
Ronnybrook still shows up, at least, so that makes me happy.
