What's On Your Plate?

What's On Your Plate? is a compelling documentary that was released in 2009. Directed by Catherine Gund, this engaging film unravels the journey of two multiracial city kids from Manhattan, Sadie Hope-Gund and Safiyah Kai Riddle, as they explore their place in the food chain. The movie powerfully advocates for mindful eating, safe food practices, and the impact of our food choices on our health, environment, and communities.

The film primarily portrays the two girls turning into food detectives, eager to learn about the origin of what they consume daily and how their eating habits impact their lives. Their innocent curiosity mixed with a little bit of gumption leads them over a course of a year, embarking on a colorful adventure filled with interesting characters, fun facts, and real-life experiences.

Sadie and Safiyah's mission starts in their hometown, where they begin by exploring farmers' markets, community supported agriculture programs, and urban farms to uncover the sources of the food they eat. Alongside, Ana Angel offers an adult perspective, diving deeper into the intrinsic links between food, health, culture and even basic-access issues surrounding food.

Throughout their journey, the girls unearth the realities related to food production and consumption. They engage in conversations with food activists, farmers, storekeepers, and their own families to comprehend the labyrinth of food pathways. Questions about origin, transportation, preparation, and composting are thoughtfully considered, proving that age is not a barrier when it comes to weighty topics like sustainable living and environmental consciousness.

In an attempt to discover the secret life of food, they delve deeper and deeper, piecing together the food jigsaw puzzle. For instance, they take a keen interest in their school's lunch program where they with unwavering resilience, manage to interlink the long chain of supply, from producers to consumers.

Apart from major characters, smaller characters such as food suppliers, school authorities, vegetable and fruit vendors, community food activists and even their own peers play pivotal roles in the film. These characters help the girls on their quest, adding layers of complexity to their understanding of the food chain and bringing them closer to the answers they seek.

The documentary does not shy away from addressing the social concern about the global food crisis. It explores topics like the challenges faced by smaller farms, the ongoing battle against genetically modified foods, and issues related to food transportation, refrigeration, and waste. Furthermore, it fosters a discussion about the desperate need for community participation in promoting sustainable agriculture and developing a healthier food system.

What's On Your Plate? had been meticulously crafted to make a complex, multifaceted issue accessible and engaging, even to the youngest viewers. The filmmakers have adeptly used animation, graphics, and music to keep the tone playful and appealing to a wide range of audience.

In a nutshell, What's On Your Plate? is not just another documentary. It is a remarkable exploration of the food industry through the innocent yet discerning eyes of two adolescents. This is a call to action for all viewers—and especially younger ones, to become more conscious and informed consumers. Through Sadie and Safiyah’s journey, the audience is nudged to question, explore, and understand the kind of food they put on their plates.

Despite being a film suitable for all ages, the documentary manages to address serious, prevalent concerns related to food justice, organic farming, and community-based agriculture. It subtly redefines the perspective on the food we consume, our food habits, and their consequences.

What's On Your Table? is an essential documentary not just for the inquisitive child, but also for adults, setting the stage for a discussion about our roles in understanding and improving the agriculture and food industry. Watch this captivating adventure and allow it to awaken the food detective in you. It will serve as a great starting point to inspire a conversation about how we as individuals, families, and communities relate to the food we eat and where it comes from.