Goucher Holds Screening of "Food, Inc."

Release date: October 28, 2009 |

Goucher will hold a screening of Food, Inc., a documentary on “Big Food” and the state of the nation’s food system, on Wednesday, October 28, at 7:30 p.m. in the college’s Kelley Lecture Hall.

This event is free and open to the public, and a dessert reception will follow the screening. Call 410-337-6333 to reserve a seat.

Directed by Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Robert Kenner, this 2008 documentary uses reports by Fast Food Nation author Eric Schlosser and The Omnivore’s Dilemma author Michael Pollan as a springboard to exploring where the food purchased at the grocery store really comes from and what it means for the health of future generations.

The film’s first two segments examine the industrial production of meat and of grains and vegetables (primarily corn and soy beans), respectively. Kenner presents these “industrial food systems” as inhumane and economically and environmentally unsustainable. The film’s third and final segment is about the economic and legal power of the major food companies, whose livelihoods are based on supplying cheap but potentially contaminated food; the heavy use of petroleum-based chemicals (largely pesticides and fertilizers); and the promotion of unhealthy food consumption habits to the American public.

Though the film has been extremely highly rated by critics overall, it has also been heavily criticized by large American food production corporations.

This film screening is hosted by Bon Appétit, Goucher’s food services provider, and the President’s Office.