“The way we eat has changed more in the last 50 years than in the previous 10,000,” states the narrator at the start of the documentary film: Food, Inc.

Now I know this isn’t a “Chick Flick” but it’s a new release to DVD this week and a movie that I have wanted to see for quite sometime.  Food, Inc. is a documentary that explores the severely misunderstood and underreported industry that is food.  Director Robert Kenner spent 6 years tracking down information, interviews and evidence about what was in the food we eat and how the food industry’s control has shifted from the small family farm to less than 10 of the largest corporations in the world.

Before you read any further let me first say this: This film is important for anyone to see no matter how you feel about the subject matter.  Information regarding our personal health and well-being is significant and can’t be ignored.  Kenner’s intention is not for everyone to see this film and throw out all of the food they have on their shelves.  His aim is to educate and inform us about what we eat and how we can eat better.

Kenner and his amazing “cast” (which includes authors Michael Pollan, the Omnivore’s Dilemma and Eric Schlosser, Fast Food Nation) take us through this highly complex and secret world that the food industry has evolved into.  They touch on Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) and Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs).  They go over how much corn and soybeans saturate the food we eat (it’s more than you think!) and how small organic companies are fast becoming hot commodities in the eyes of big corporations.

The facts throughout the film are startling.  For example, “The average American supermarket contains over 47,000 different products on its shelves”.   However, they go on to explain that the majority of these items are almost entirely the same (or are derived from the same few key ingredients) and are in large part, not very healthy. This is a tremendous eye-opener for children and adults alike who may never have thought to stop and really think about what they were purchasing and consuming.

Kenner interviews everyone he can from large-scale factory farmers to corporate executives from Walmart to try and better understand this now completely corporate industry.  He also speaks to food safety advocates and small farm owners who are relentlessly pursuing a better way to produce our food and regulate this industry.

So what’s the bottom line?  Food, Inc. is an informative and educational film that will surprise everyone.  It explains the ways we can help make the food industry a healthier and better place for everybody.  It’s a powerful film that is not necessarily for the faint of heart but, as I said before, I believe everyone should see.  I give this movie 4 stars because I think it’s a must-see documentary.  It’s on DVD now!

Food, Inc. ends with the following text on the screen, which I thought was appropriate to share and (it doesn’t give anything away!):

You can change the world with every bite.

Hungry for change?

go to: takepart.com/foodinc