We all love food. As a society, we devour countless cooking shows, culinary magazines and foodie blogs. So how could we possibly be throwing nearly 50% of it in the trash?
Filmmakers and food lovers Jen and Grant dive into the issue of waste from farm, through retail, all the way to the back of their own fridge. After catching a glimpse of the billions of dollars of good food that is tossed each year in North America, they pledge to quit grocery shopping cold turkey and survive only on foods that would otherwise be thrown away. In a nation where one in 10 people are food insecure, the images they capture of squandered groceries are both shocking and strangely compelling. But as Grant's addictive personality turns full tilt towards food rescue, the "thrill of the find" has unexpected consequences.
Featuring interviews with TED lecturer, author and activist Tristram Stuart, acclaimed author Jonathan Bloom, and food/agriculture scientist Dana Gunders, JUST EAT IT looks at our systemic obsession with expiration dates, perfect produce and portion sizes, and reveals the core of this seemingly insignificant issue that is having devastating consequences around the globe. JUST EAT IT brings farmers, retailers, inspiring organizations, and consumers to the table in a cinematic story that is equal parts education and delicious entertainment.
"Funny, shocking and fascinating." —The Los Angeles Times
"Spunky." —The New York Times
"Hugely entertaining...Will leave audiences gobsmacked...Baldwin and Rustemeyer have drawn attention to an important, overlooked issue, and taught by example that a difference can be made, simply by tweaking rather than revolutionizing one's lifestyle." —Variety
"Highly Recommended!" —Educational Media Reviews Online
"Powerful... Delivers the real story about food waste in the developed world. This film will change your perspective; it will encourage you to waste less food; it might inspire you to join the movement to fix our food system." —Wynn Calder, Co-Director, Association of University Leaders for a Sustainable Future
"An enjoyable film... Uses both everyday people and respected experts to create a personal look at the problem of food waste in industrialized societies. The problems and insights of the narrators personify the problem and create an accessible entry point for discussions about solving the enormous problem of food waste in our society." —Dr. Jeffrey Miller, Professor of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Colorado State University
"Offering real food for thought in a hungry world, this engaging and information film is highly recommended." —Video Librarian
"Explores the personal implications of a global environmental issue... Filled with moments that are authentic, challenging, and enlightening... A wonderful conversation starter for those concerned about food waste and food security." —Dr. Kate Parizeau, Assistant Professor of Geography, Director of The Social Life of Waste program, University of Guelph
"Explains this important issue in a clear and teachable way. It's a great educational tool." —School Library Journal
"Offers unsettling statistics—for example, the water required to produce one hamburger is the equivalent of a 90-minute shower—along with striking visuals—a field full of wasted celery stalks, a dumpster filled to the brim with containers of not-yet-expired hummus. After watching, you might just rethink going out to eat while those leftovers sit in the fridge another day." —Science Magazine
Best Documentary, Best Documentary Director, Best Documentary Musical Score, Leo Awards
Audience Award, CPH:DOX
VIFF Impact Award, Must See BC Winner, Runner Up Documentary Audience Award, Vancouver International Film Festival
Emerging Canadian Filmmaker & Top 20 Audience Choice, Hot Docs
Top 20 Audience Choice, International Documentary Film Festival, Amsterdam
People's Choice Award, Calgary International Film Festival
Best Environmental Film, Sedona International Film Festival
Grand Jury Prize, Environmental Film Festival at Yale
Festival Choice, One Earth Film Festival
Best Canadian Documentary, Edmonton International Film Festival
Best Canadian Feature, Planet in Focus