A Place at the Table (2013)

A Place at the Table is that rare documentary feature that is so powerful and astoundingly honest that it will most likely fall victim to people politicizing it to minimize its impact. The film is about hunger and poverty in America; but what does it tell us about the hyper-partisanship in the confined walls of DC or our state capitals if these two issues cannot rightly be discussed in meaningful, impactful ways? A Place at the Table informs the viewer that America has plenty of food and there is no real, rational reason why the poor should be doing without. Nearly 10 minutes into the film, it becomes very apparent our nation and its people have a problem ... and tears streamed freely. ALL political leaders at one time believed our citizens deserved food and meals and in the late 70's "hunger" had almost been wiped out (because of that over-abundance our nation sits upon). In the early 1980's, priorities changed and feeding our citizens was no longer one many believed necessary as much of that funding was cut (and why not make money off of the food!) and put into new military programs to establish ourselves as a great military power. Social safety nets were cut and church-based charity was expected to take its place although NO other area in government or society has EVER been expected to follow in that same pattern! "The US Military ... brought to you by the thoughtful donations of ..." Our nation has been in a perpetual state of war since when? How many times have school lunch programs been cut? How many food shelters/kitchens have been shut-down? The film will open your eyes and if there is a caring, compassionate and considerate person inside you will be appalled. Were you aware that school lunches must cost under 90 cents per child in school and they want to cut to cut even further (as we might need another tank). Oscar-winning actor Jeff Bridges lends his voice to the cause and Top Chef Tom Colicchio also wants to bring awareness to such a stupidly and selfishly overlooked section of our government. This film shows us who matters most. There have been an abundance of food docs in recent years (most point out the scary "food is no longer food" themes); but none of them have tackled the subject at hand like A Place at the Table has done. The film is highly recommended; but I also recommend tissue. Watching an impoverished 7 year-old "show off" her (non) bedroom to a visiting camera crew is heartbreaking. When did we stop caring about people?