Food, Inc. Discussion Guide - TakePart

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has been controversial since its approval by the FDA in 1993. While it elevatesmilk production, it also increases udder infections, which require the use of moreantibiotics and may lead to a greater probability of antibiotic-resistant diseases.Another example mentioned in the chapter is the recent change in publicpolicies related to tobacco. For centuries, a major factor in the developmentand enforcement of tobacco policies has been the economic importance of thetobacco industry. However, scientific research, lawsuits against the governmentand the industry, organized education campaigns, and other efforts have led tosignificant progress in changing the industry and tobacco policies worldwide.Today, policies that tax tobacco, restrict smoking in workplaces and publicareas, promote education, and regulate tobacco manufacturing have all madea difference in reducing the number of smokers. As suggested by author EricSchlosser in the film, a similar multipronged approach could bring change to ourfood system.Because food is something people consume three times a day—every day—personal behaviors and choices can have an impact on the food system through amultiplicative effect. In addition to food purchases, individuals can also advocatefor more healthy lunch options at school, better labeling, improved workingconditions, and safer food. The film lists specific actions that individuals can take,and those are reprinted on page 93.O p e n e rBefore showing the film chapter, explain how working in a group at school, at theworkplace, or in advocacy settings requires members to take on different rolesin order for the group to function effectively. Distribute the Key Group Rolesstudent handout and ask students to reflect individually on the skills they bringto a group, then write a brief paragraph about those skills.8 8F 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
S o c r at i c D i s c u s s i o nF o c u s Q u e s t i o nWhat individual or collective actions are you willing to take to improve ourfood system, and what would be their impact?After watching the film chapter, make a class list of food-related issues raised bythe film. Ask students to name individual or collective things people could do toimprove the food system, and list these on the board (they may start with theThings You Can Do listed at the end of the film and on page 93). Ask them whichactions they would be willing to take and what the impact of those actionswould be.D e e p e n i n g Q u e s t i o n s• What kinds of actions have you taken before to make a change at home, atschool, or in the community? What was effective? What wasn’t?• Yogurt company executive Gary Hirshberg states in the film, “The consumerdoes not feel very powerful, but it’s the exact opposite. When we run an itempast the supermarket scanner, we’re voting for local or not, organic or not.”What does he mean by this statement? Do you agree or disagree with it? Whyor why not?• Aside from the supermarket, in what other arenas can individuals and groupsmake an impact on our food system?• As portrayed in the film, our food system has become very mechanized as away to cheaply and efficiently provide vast quantities of food. Would it bepossible to feed the hundreds of millions of people who live in our countrywithout this kind of industrialized food system? If so, how? If not, what mightwe do to avoid the problems that seem to come with it?8 9F 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
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About SocraticDiscussionsFood, Inc.
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Page 96 and 97: ResourcesFor additional information
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Food, Inc. Discussion Guide - TakePart

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