Yesterday I took my son, Jacob, to see "Food, Inc." at the Strand in Rockland. We met Creative Director Jim Bazin there and were surprised at how many people came out on such a (rare) gorgeous sunny Sunday afternoon, but the theatre was quite full. Many in attendance were looking forward to the panel discussion following the film led by Nancy Harmon-Jenkins and panelists Merrill Williams of Maine Food & Lifestyle, Cheryl Denz of Terra Optima Farm, Melissa Kelly of Primo, Glen Libby of Midcoast Fishermen's Association, and others with direct insight into Maine's food scene.

The movie began, and I was enraged by one thing after another. I was so disturbed by the cruelty to animals and workers which goes into the production of our food, along with the monopoly a few companies have upon the market (and the fact so much is hidden from the consumer as to what's in our food, where it comes from, how it is "manufactured" and genetically altered, the fact that "big names" in the food industry are making their "junk" food cheaper than healthy food, the list goes on). I was mortified by so many things this movie brought to light.

Panelists following the film did a great job expressing hope that Maine has a wealth of small scale food producers and could be the beacon to show the rest of the country what healthy eating from the ground up looks like, and the wealth of support we have in organizations like MOFGA and flourishing farmers' markets, CSFs, and CSAs around the state.

Panel members discuss the film "Food, Inc." following the screening at the Strand

Jacob and I had a thought-provoking discussion on the way home. His health class had seen "Supersize Me" during the school year, and he is always interested in the social awareness documentary film provokes. It was encouraging that he was disturbed, too. I only hope his generation is able to lead us forward out of this ethical, moral, social, economic, and health depression the world is in. Such a tall order.

But one order we decided to forego last night was any kind of a fast food dinner, in favor of a home cooked, organic meal. We have control over the choices we make, one small decision at a time. Education and action are crucial.

Please, if you haven't seen this film, make sure you do. It will truly change the way you consume.

Melanie Hyatt is an editor at Maine Food & Lifestyle magazine.