Director Caroline Cox’s Food for the Rest of Us frames farming not simply as food production, but as activism. It’s about the symbiotic relationship between the land and the marginalized people who depend on it—while more powerful systems threaten their livelihood.
This documentary highlights four communities that do agricultural work while fighting their own unique challenges. In Hawaii, an indigenous-owned farm creates youthful leaders through a two-year program. Inspiringly, students learn a new skill, but they are also introduced to several obstacles to farming, such as the vast military occupation of Hawaii’s agricultural territories.
Meanwhile, a Black farmer runs his acreage out of East High School in Kansas City while teaching even younger students the importance of sustainable food production. Next, a female Shochet works with the LGBTQ+ community in Colorado. She showcases a Jewish perspective on the proper way to butcher animals while also respecting them. Last, Inuit people in the Northwest Territories confront the broadscale effects of climate change that make it nearly impossible to harvest the food they need.
Food for the Rest of Us formulates these four stories with cuts of interviews and scenes of farmers in action, whether working the land or teaching others. A unique soundtrack provides a backdrop for each new setting, boosting the viewer's experience of entering into a distinct culture. At the same time, the accompanying display of different cultural practices and beliefs enriches the learning process. In one scene, for example, a woman describes her community’s belief that they are not only themselves; they are a part of a long line of ancestors, a part of their current community, and a part of the generations to follow them.
This impactful documentary repeatedly reinforces the fact that oil companies, big food corporations, climate change, etc. are oppressive giants for today’s farmers. Food for the Rest of Us will leave viewers with strong convictions about the unnecessary presence of difficult obstacles these farmers have to endure just to keep their poor communities afloat. However strong these convictions may be (and passionate the voices that convey them), the film does leave one wanting more detailed history and intricate explanations throughout. Ultimately, the documentary imparts competing emotions: hopeful expectancy for the next generation of farmers, and fear for what they will have to face. A great purchase for documentary and environmentalism shelves, and a worthwhile watch for a high school FFA or F2S screenings. Recommended. Aud: H, C, P.