Food, Inc. Discussion Guide - TakePart

C H A P T E R 4The Dollar MenuS y n o p s i s o f F i l m C h a p t e rThis chapter of Food, Inc. focuses on the fact that fast food andprocessed foods are often less expensive than healthier foodslike fruits and vegetables because many of the ingredientscome from crops subsidized by the federal government. Thefilm highlights one family’s dilemma at the grocery store: Sincethe father has diabetes, the family members are aware that ahealthier diet with more fresh foods would be best for him, butthey must choose foods they can afford. As the film suggests,people with lower incomes are more likely to eat cheaper,processed foods, and are also more likely to suffer from obesity,Type 2 diabetes, and other diet-related health problems.NOTE Be sensitive to the fact that the portrayal of the familyin the film may hit close to home for some of your students.Make sure that the discussion avoids stigmatizing or blaminglow-income individuals and families, or those with obesity ordiabetes.R U N N I N G T I M E : 5 : 1 2 m i n u t e s4 7F o o d , I n c . D I S C U S S I O N G U I D E© P a r t i c i p a n t M e d i a