Unit 6 Assignment

1. In Food Inc., filmmaker Robert Kenner lifts the veil on our nation’s food industry, he
exposes the underworld that is hidden from American consumers, approved by the government’s
regulatory agencies, USDA and FDA. Our nation’s food supply is controlled by a few
corporations who focus on profit and no regards for consumer health, the safety of workers and
our own environment. He goes undercover to expose the truth about what these large companies
are doing to our health and environment. This film points out just how American greed has taken
over our food supply. ("Food, Inc. | Behind the Veil of Corporate Farming | TakePart," n.d.)
The main points the film Food Inc. explores are the relationships between how are food is
produced, animal welfare and the effects on human health. The food system has changed
radically over the years leaving a handful of companies in control of our food system. Mainly,
with four large corporations as the main food suppliers. Big fast food companies have high
demands for large quantities of beef, chicken, pork, lettuce and tomatoes. What this does is puts
farmers under pressure to produce a lot of food on a small amount of land at an affordable price.
These large corporations have no regards for animal welfare. Most chickens that are raised on
commercial chicken farms take and average of 49 from birth to death, in real life time a chicken
takes 3 months to grow and mature into an adult chicken. These commercial farm chickens never
see the light of day, they are all packed into large chicken houses with no room or space with
dust and feces everywhere. They grow so fast their bodies cannot keep up and many cannot even
walk more than a few steps. Antibiotics are put into the feed to help keep the chickens well since
they are all so packed in to a tight area, mass production. With Antibiotics put into feed and
passed through the chickens, when we consume the chickens this puts our health at risk, leaving
most people resistant to antibiotics. ("Food, Inc. | Behind the Veil of Corporate Farming |
TakePart," n.d.)

2. The film describes how agriculture is highly dependent on climate conditions. Increases
in temperatures can be beneficial for some crops in some places. But nutrient levels, soil
moisture, and water availability all must be met to yield crops. Mass production of crops, such as
corn, deplete the soil of variable nutrients. Increases in carbon dioxide can alter the quality of
crops. Changes in frequency and severity of droughts and floods all threaten farmer’s crops. If
these commercial farmers cannot produce enough corn or crops for the suppliers, then this slows
down meat production and it’s just a ripple effect. Climate change may also increase the risk of
parasites and diseases that affect livestock.
In the film, it discusses the impact these huge feed lots have on our water supply and the
mass production of crops. It talks about the consequences of our current food system and the risk
of contamination of the food supply, along with the risk to the population. The film describes
how feeding cow’s corn, increase the incidence of E. coli, since corn raises the level of E. coli in
cows guts. Since these feedlot cows are in such small areas and packed tightly, when they
defecate it often gets on the cows hid, then when they are transferred to slaughter the feces are
still on the hid and then makes it way on to the meat and in the water supply. The runoff from
these huge feedlots and slaughter houses contaminate the water supply. The slaughter houses
now resort to using ammonia on the meat to help combat E Coli. Feedlots are a potential point of
water pollution. Pollution problems occur when a feedlot makes no effort for runoff control or if
the facility is poorly designed or constructed. Large amounts of manure accumulates in a small
area, potential nutrients and microorganisms beneath feedlots then leach into ground water
supplies. Making the residents in the surrounding areas at risk for many health issues.
Sustainable agriculture is a way to help minimize environmental pollution. Sustainable
farms produce crops and raise animals without relying on toxic chemical and pesticides,

3. genetically modified organisms, or practices that degrade the soil, water or other natural
resources. They uses practices such as crop rotation, and pasture raised livestock, they help
protect biodiversity and the maintenance and development of healthy ecosystems. Food
production should never cause harm to human health. Food is meant for nourishment for our
bodies, and is a necessity for life. Sustainable crops avoid using hazards pesticides, and our able
to grow fruits and vegetables that are safer for human consumption, workers and the surrounding
communities. They use careful care, responsible management of livestock waste, this helps
protect humans from exposure to pathogens, toxins, and other hazardous pollutes. Sustainable
farmers treat animals with care and respect, they protect the animal’s health and well-being.
They raise livestock on pasture, these farmers enable their animals to move freely, eat a natural
diet, and avoid the stress and illness associated with confinement. These are all efforts that help
minimize environmental pollutants. ("National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition | Supporting
the economic and environmental sustainability of agriculture, natural resources, and rural
communities," n.d.)
The documentary film Food Inc. is heartwreching to watch, I have watched it many times
and still cry each time I watch it. It really breaks down just how our food system is ran and the
impacts it has on our health and well-being. But films like this really help people to become
educated on the food system. Education and knowledge is power when it comes to the food
choices we make. That’s one of the major ways we can help to change the food system, speak
with the food we buy. The mighty dollar speaks loud and when these big companies realize that
people are making changes they will then make changes to the food supply. Our food system
here in the U.S is one big circle, the government, farmers and consumers all have a voice. This is
where change can be made, the consumer needs to be educated on the food they are purchasing

4. and demand a change. Our family made the change years ago and even though I feel like one
small link in the circle I still have a voice. We personally don’t shop for food items at the grocery
store, I have certain items I purchase and that’s it. I refuse to support these large companies at the
expense of mine and my family’s health. We only buy local, from sustainable farmers, it helps
me sleep better at night knowing that my choices have a positive impact on the welfare of
animals, environment and help support my local economy.

5. References
The Food Supply Challenge. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.foodsupplychallenge.eu/
Food, Inc. | Behind the Veil of Corporate Farming | TakePart. (n.d.). Retrieved from
http://www.takepart.com/foodinc/film
National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition | Supporting the economic and environmental
sustainability of agriculture, natural resources, and rural communities. (n.d.).
Retrieved from http://sustainableagriculture.net/