What's new with our Food?

The 2nd film in our Summer Film Series is the seminal food movie Food, Inc. Originally released in 2009, this film resonates today more then ever as many of the issues exposed in the film have become a greater threat to our national and global food systems.  Food, Inc. exposed the highly mechanized side of the food industry and how many corporations put profit ahead of consumer and animal health, jeopardizing the livelihood of the American farmer, the safety of food industry workers and our environment. 

 

These issues and an increase in personal and public health awareness played a role in MacDonald's recent corporate decision "to stop using antibiotics important to human medicine in chicken production for McDonald's USA by March 2017".  Although "the devil is in the details", MacDonald's along with other large food suppliers and restaurants including Chipotle, Panera, Perdue and Tysons are taking steps to change their way of doing business. Unfortunately, Congress' passage of the Trans- Pacific Partnership ( TPP)  last week and the proposed  Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act of 2015 have the potential to derail state and local legislation that supports greater public access to safe, healthy food.

Join us July 9th from 6-8 p.m. for a free screening.

Seasonal local food snacks provided by local farms and eateries. 

Reserve your tickets here

What does it take to be an organic farmer?

Growing organic is no small task. And, in order to become certified organic, farms must jump through hoops, spend thousands of dollars and wait years for approval. Although taxing, the process has traditionally provided many benefits for both producers and consumers. Sustainable use of land, environmental responsibility, providing healthier food options and tastier meals are all reasons becoming organic is worth it to many. However, as the global food industry continues to evolve so too do the terms and conditions used to compare certified organic produce with the competition.

Whole Foods, facing increasing competition from mainstream grocery chains, is using new marketing skills to convey that conventionally grown produce is just as good, or better, than organically grown products. Certain Whole Foods products now carry the designation of “good” “better” or “best”. Such designations can be attained by establishing garbage recycling programs, relying more on alternative energy sources, eliminating some pesticides, and setting aside some land as conservation land. In many cases these qualifications result in conventional farm produce with the same rating, or even higher than a certified organic farm!

Transparency in all aspects of life are important, but it is especially important when discussing the food we consume. This new revelation brings with it many questions, including what is healthy food? What constitutes sustainability? Does environmental responsibility through land conservation equate to organically grown produce? This issue goes beyond the simple question of how you grow food, and undermines both the cost and work of organic farmers throughout the country. Read more here.

Join Bountiful Brookline on Thursday July 9th from 6-8 p.m. as we further investigate the relationship between producer (organic and conventional), and consumer with the classic film Food, Inc. Tickets can be reserved here! Snacks from local producers will be provided. We look forwarding to seeing you in the theater!

What's growing in in your neighborhood? This innovative pallet garden is located outside the Whole Foods in Brighton!

Summer Film Series: Food, Inc.

Bountiful Brookline is excited to announce the next film in our Summer Film Series, Food, Inc. Originally released in 2009, this film still resonates with many issues we see in the global food market today. Food, Inc. exposes the highly mechanized side of the food industry, and those corporations that often put profit ahead of consumer health, the livelihood of the American farmer, the safety of our workers and the environment. Please join us July 9th from 6-8 p.m. in the Brookline Interactive Group theater located at 46 Tappan Street, Brookline, MA, 02445. Seasonal local food snacks will be provided. Tickets are now available and can be reserved here! If you have any questions, please contact us at bountifulbrookline@gmail.com We look forward to seeing you in the theater!

Growing Cities: Who's Your Farmer?

       In case you missed it, Growing Cities proved to be extremely inspiring, demonstrating that it does not matter how little space you may have to grow...with the will there is a way.  From hanging window hydroponic systems in plastic water bottles to rooftop and window box gardens, the film highlighted the diversity of the urban farm, and just how far we can take it!  In an urban-edge town such as Brookline, it is extremely important to remember that even in the smallest spaces, with soil, water and sunlight edibles will grow.

In addition to the many farms across the country highlighted in Growing Cities, here are a few located right in the Boston area: Sited within Fenway Park, Fenway Farms provides fresh, organic fruits and vegetables to those dining at Fenway's EMC Club restaurant. Located in the Seaport neighborhood of South Boston, Higher Ground Farm's rooftop garden grows greens, herbs, tomatoes and more! Finally, B. Good in conjunction with Green City Growers is growing at eight different locations in the greater Boston area! They incorporate the tomatoes they grow into their salads, the kale into their smoothies and quinoa bowls, and the mint into their smoothies.

If you are interested in testing out your green thumb and planting some edibles of your own, The Edible Balcony by Alex Mitchell provides excellent advice and innovative ideas on how to get to get started!

We look forward to seeing you at our next screening, Thursday July 9th from 6-8 p.m., as we present the classic film Food, Inc.  Follow us on Facebook, Twitter (BountifulB) and Instagram (bountifulbrookline) to receive an alert when tickets become available!  We will see you in the theater!