What's On Your Plate? Get Involved, Make it Something You Want to Eat

Watch What's On Your Plate? and you're likely to be inspired to get involved in some of the issues covered in the film—it touches on all aspects of the food system, from food production to where our waste goes. The people who worked on the film have put together all kinds of ideas to get people started—here is a sampler of ideas to jump on yourself, and projects already underway that you can get involved with.

• Help make farming more affordable for young folks.


• And, of course, organize more screenings of the film.


• Join the battle against high fructose corn syrup, a sweetener that contributes directly to unhealthy growth patterns.


• Help make school lunches healthier—right now, most schools offer lunches that actually do students more harm than good.


• Get involved in food policy. For example, the new Farm Bill is making its way through Congress and can impact international trade, environmental preservation, food safety, and the well-being of rural communities; and the Child Nutrition Reauthorization Act, to be reauthorized in March, is a key opportunity for the whole movement: it determines the parameters around programs to improve access, meal quality and nutrition for millions of children, particularly low-income children.

Other steps to take, at home or in your community:

• Plant a garden in your yard, in a window box, or in a pot


• Join—or start!—a CSA (community supported agriculture)


• Join your school's wellness committee


• Talk to local representatives about gardens, playgrounds, farmers markets, and healthy food initiatives for your city or town


• Get to know the food service providers at your school and work with them to improve your school food


• Grow fruits and vegetables at your school


• Start a cooking program in your school or community center


• Host a house party and show the film


• Parent-to-Parent cooking parties where you can share your children's favorite recipes


• Cook a family dinner using local food


• Seek out healthy options and educate yourself about where your food comes from

Don't miss What's On Your Plate. Check the tv schedule for listings.

More on What's On Your Plate?

Related Posts:
What's On Your Plate? About the Film
The Organic Garden As Classroom
How Do I Find A Community Supported Agriculture Farm
The South Bronx Shows Off What It Really Means to Get Community Involved in Urban Green Initiatives