Just Eat It

In a headline-grabbing stunt that would be funny if it weren't so sobering, Canadian filmmaking couple Jen Rustemeyer and Grant Baldwin, after learning that 40 percent of all food in North America goes to waste, determined to live for six months off discards (with perhaps occasional handouts from family and friends). The couple's docu-diary accompanies interview sidebars from the likes of authors Jonathan Bloom and Tristram Stuart, along with farmers and insiders, about the culture of wretched excess and corporate pathology (bigger portions, more food than is needed) that results in millions of tons of edibles being consigned to trash bins. In fact, the protagonists' dumpster-diving leaves them overwhelmed with more than they could possibly eat (and Grant gains an unflattering amount of weight). Presenting both the full-length documentary and a 50-minute abridged version, extras include a study guide. Offering real food for thought in a hungry world, this engaging and informative film is highly recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (C. Cassady)