Movie Night: Weight of The Nation – Part 4

This week we’re exploring the history of the food economy. We get to sit in on a roundtable discussion amongst produce farmers to hear their perspective on things.

The discussion amongst the farmers was actually my favorite part of the film. You see everything tie together on why the nation is dealing with this crisis right now. The cost of unhealthy foods is artificially low because of subsidies from the government for crops that are used to make unhealthy processed foods. Rates of chronic disease and obesity are way higher in low income communities. It’s like food has become a tool in a class warfare of sorts.

Other than forcing our elected politicians to do better and make this issue one of their priorities, we can continue to support produce farmers and organic farmers. You vote with your dollars at the grocery store. Talk to the manager of the store if you are not finding healthy items you want to buy. They are running a business so they will offer it if the demand is there. Create the demand by educating your neighbors and your communities. Have them watch this 4-part documentary we’ve been looking at this past month.

Go walking and biking with your family and neighbors. Having a community of like-minded folks will help you stay focused on your health goals and help them stay accountable too. Children need physical activity and time to play and socialize. Parks provide a safe space for that so they’re a very important aspect of our communities. If you see a need for parks in your community, call on your local government officials to make that happen and hold them accountable.

Tell me your thoughts in the comments below. Share your insights on things we could all be doing to make our communities healthier and more active.