A Place at the Table

A Place at the Table Poster

A Place at the Table is a 2012 American documentary film directed by Kristi Jacobson and Lori Silverbush, with Jeff Bridges and Tom Colicchio serving as executive producers. The film investigates the issue of hunger in the United States, focusing on the plight of three individuals from different parts of the country who struggle with food insecurity, thereby highlighting the broader implications of the issue on health, economy, and education.

Synopsis

A Place at the Table presents a powerful exploration of the underbelly of American prosperity, where millions of citizens struggle to afford enough to eat. The film follows the personal stories of Barbie, a single Philadelphia mother who grew up in poverty and is trying to provide a better life for her two children; Rosie, a Colorado fifth-grader who often has to depend on friends and neighbors to feed her and has trouble concentrating in school; and Tremonica, a Mississippi second-grader whose health issues are exacerbated by the empty calories her hardworking mother can afford.

Through these intimate narratives, the documentary sheds light on the systemic barriers to food access and the serious consequences of malnutrition on health, growth, and educational achievement. It also critiques the effectiveness of the United States' food aid programs and the role of government policy in perpetuating hunger and poverty.

Themes

The film addresses several key themes, including the paradox of food insecurity in the world's wealthiest nation, the impact of hunger on children's health and education, and the challenges of addressing nutritional needs within the constraints of poverty. It also examines the role of federal assistance programs, like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), in mitigating or exacerbating the problem, and the influence of agricultural policy on food availability and affordability.

Reception

A Place at the Table received critical acclaim for its compelling portrayal of a pressing issue and its call to action for policy makers and the public. Critics praised the film for its emotional depth, thorough research, and clear articulation of the complex factors contributing to hunger in America. It sparked discussions on food policy and the need for comprehensive strategies to ensure that all Americans have access to healthy food.

Impact

Following its release, A Place at the Table has been used as an educational tool in schools, universities, and community groups to raise awareness about hunger and food insecurity. It has also influenced public discourse on the subject, contributing to debates on how best to reform food assistance programs and address the root causes of hunger in the United States.

See Also

• Food security
• Hunger in the United States
• Nutritional economics
• Poverty in the United States
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program