Documentary
United States of America
A Place at the Table is a 2012 documentary film directed by Kristi Jacobson and Lori Silverbush. The film examines the issue of food insecurity in the United States, where millions of people struggle to find enough food to eat on a regular basis.
Using a combination of personal stories, expert interviews, and statistical analysis, the film paints a stark picture of the impact of food insecurity on Americans' health, education, and overall well-being. It highlights the fact that hunger and poverty are not just issues affecting developing countries, but are also prevalent in the wealthiest country in the world.
The film follows the stories of several individuals and families who are struggling to put food on the table. These include a single mother in Philadelphia who relies on food stamps to feed herself and her children, a fifth-grader in Colorado who often goes to school hungry, a farmer in Iowa who produces more corn than he can sell but cannot afford to feed his family healthy food, and a pastor in Mississippi who runs a food bank for his community.
The film also features interviews with experts in the field of food insecurity, including activists, nutritionists, and policymakers. These experts highlight the root causes of food insecurity, including income inequality, the lack of access to healthy food in low-income areas, and the inadequacy of government safety-net programs.
Overall, A Place at the Table is a powerful and thought-provoking film that sheds light on an often-overlooked issue in America. It challenges viewers to re-examine their views on food insecurity and to consider what can be done to ensure that all Americans have access to healthy, affordable food.
