By Lewis MacPherson
“Food, Inc. 2” expertly showcases how the current practices of the food industry vandalize local farmers, migrant and low-income workers, livestock, the American diet, and the planet. Via narratives from across the globe, the documentary emphasizes how the fractured food system serves a select few multinational corporations while drastically undermining the workers and consumers that fuel it. It underscores how the common denominator between the environmental crisis, migrant crisis, and obesity crisis is the food industry itself.
Directors Robert Kenner and Melissa Robledo reconnect with authors Michael Pollan and Eric Schlosser to produce “Food, Inc. 2,” the sequel to the Oscar-nominated 2008 documentary “Food Inc.” The film was nominated for Best Scientific Documentary and Best Topics Documentary in 2024, the year following its release. It will be screened on April 26th, 2025, at the One Earth Film Festival. Attendance of all ages is highly encouraged, as well as participation in a post-showing, facilitated dialogue with relevant experts and advocates.
By examining the stories of workers across the country, whose low-wage, unprotected labor is sustaining power in the hands of their multinational employers, the documentary highlights how the food industry exploits the poorest groups in America. It investigates how monopolistic conglomerates, via antitrust disobedience, stamp local farmers out of competition, therefore minimizing public access to healthy foods and increasing dependency on calorie-dense, ultra-processed foods produced by the same multinational companies. Moreover, it interrogates how the food industry’s unsustainable, profit-driven practices, which go largely unchecked by legislation, are accelerating climate change.
The documentary brilliantly juxtaposes the perverse practices of multinational corporations with the hope and potential provoked by driven individuals who have set out to achieve a more sustainable, just food system.
Exploring the lives of migrant workers, fast-food employees, and local farmers, “Food, Inc. 2” is meant to be viewed in unison by the community members who the film represents. Just as meals are meant to be shared amongst loved ones and friends, this film is intended to be viewed as a group, illuminating the common bruises the food system inflicts on our livelihoods. It was made to be consumed in a common setting so the feelings of betrayal and outrage that it evokes can be compounded with the shared inspiration and hope of the viewing community.
The documentary rips back the curtain to reveal that the multinational corporations that rule the food industry are sabotaging public health, animal safety, environmental life, and what America prides itself on: the free market. These large conglomerates practice in direct contradiction with the well-being of the American people and the safety and future of the planet. “Food, Inc 2” warns viewers that the food industry needs sweeping and drastic reform for the sake of human and planet health.
Food, Inc. 2 will be shown on April 26 at 6:00 p.m. at the following locations:
Palos Heights Rec Center (6601 W. 127th St., Palos Heights, IL 60463)
Chicago Filmmakers (1326 W. Hollywood Ave., Chicago, IL 60660)
The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce Conference Space (5706 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60660)
Free admission, reserve tickets now: https://www.oneearthfilmfest.org/2025-films-a-z-1/2025/3/17/food-inc-2
