The Slowcook at Spydog Farm The Slowcook at Spydog Farm

Fault Lines: Obesity in America

November 24th, 2010 · 1 Comment · Posted in Blog

Some weeks ago I filmed footage of what it’s like for a parent to fight for better school food here in the District of Columbia. It’s now part of this 23-minute report by Al Jazeera TV–English edition.

Also included is a segment from the Ward 8 farmers market here in D.C., illustrating the absence of healthy alternatives in a typical “food dessert.” A long list of food heavies, such as Coca-Cola and Kraft, declined to participate in the film, as did the various associations that represent them. There are, however, some food lobbyists who try to explain how they work for the U.S. Department of Agriculture one minute, and food giants such as Monsanto the next.

One of my favorite moments is when a spokesman for a group called the “Center for Consumer Freedom” stumbles over a question about whether “little chubbies” sodas marketed directly to children should be regulated. “Should it be regulated?” he asks, twice. “That’s what parents are for.”

The production crew held a screening and discussion last night at the Busboys & Poets at 5th and K streets NW. They packed the house. There were plenty of questions and comments, followed by a cooking demonstration.

For the record, I had the catfish.

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  • Michael Segal

    Thank you for the mention of our work, Ed.

    We are anticipating some important and positive changes at Ward 8 Farmers Market for next year as we await some funding decisions and delicate negotiations.

    Any of your readers who live/work in Ward 8 or are just into food access and farmers markets can subscribe to the “What’s New?” feed at our website or drop me an email to be on our mailing list.

    Michael