Food Stamped Public Documentary Viewing (Food For All group)

Andreas Wenzel

Soc. 122: Social Movements

"Food Stamped" Public Documentary Viewing

On April 27, 2016, our "Food For All" social movements group hosted a public event in the social sciences building to help spread awareness about food insecurity in the United States. We previewed a documentary titled "Food Stamped" that displayed a couple's efforts to try and maintain a healthy, nutritional diet on the $1 allotted per meal (three meals per day) according to what the average person receiving food stamps is budgeted for. We announced the event in class, invited friends, and made social media posts in the attempt to maximize attendance. We requested pizzas and water to serve to audience members, and wound up with some fresh oranges to give out as well. I made it a point to schedule the showing on a day and time in which all of our group members could attend, which wound up taking place immediately after our Wednesday social movements class at 7pm.

Considering the financial constraints the couple documented was limited to, they actually did what I thought was a pretty good job at maintaining a nutritional diet, eating a lot of fresher food and not as much processed food as I had expected (although others shown in the film actually living on this budget on a regular basis were closer to my expectations), yet as well as they did, they still fell short of achieving a healthy calorie intake in the end, and in time would have felt the physical consequences if they had to continue long-term. They also had much more time, tools, and knowledge of how to make the budget stretch as far as possible than I think most people have, as well as lived in an area where the healthy foods purchased were easily accessible. I think the film did a good job at showcasing how much effort it actually took to prepare healthy meals that still fell short, and hopefully gave anyone less aware of the issue a better understanding of the subjective experience.

The discussion afterward was very fruitful as well, as almost everyone in attendance voiced their perspectives and experiences of the subject, and managed to touch multiple points revolving around the topic. One thing I think we all could agree on after watching is the absurdity that it is even an issue in this country, especially after comparing agricultural production rates and profit margins. I also think the documentary did a good job at highlighting for audiences the structural nature of the issue, as it is not an issue of insufficient food production but one of unequal (profit rather than people-based) food distribution. It seemed that most of everyone in attendance already had some understanding and agreement on the issue, and if the documentary didn't help change prior understandings, it only helped confirm those that were already in line.

As far as how such an event could be improved in the future, I think having more time and a more open schedule would be of the greatest benefit in spreading the event's information. Posting flyers is another obvious, effective tactic in maximizing event awareness and attendance, which is also hinged on the before mentioned. Considering our limitations, however, I think we can all still agree that our documentary event was a success nonetheless.