Watch the documentary and answer the following questions in separate paragraphs
1. What are some of your memories, feelings, or other associations with food? How do they compare with those expressed in the film?
2. Why are eating habits so hard to break? Do you think its possible to be addicted to a specific food or to food in general? Explain.
3. Some people feel that using healthy substitutes in soul food
(e.g., smoked turkey instead of pork fat to flavor greens, or herbs instead of salt) changes the nature of soul food, making it less authentic, even robbing African American culture of one of its defining characteristics. How would you respond to this criticism?
4. Is eating just a matter of personal behavior and preference? When do eating habitsor the effects of eating habits and food choicesstep over into the public realm?
5. Do governmental or other public agencies have a role in guiding or responsibility to guide what or how people choose to eat? Defend your position. What about public figures, such as Dick Gregory (who appears in the film) or Michelle Obama? How influential can they be in promoting a healthy lifestyle?
6. The film talks about the intersections of food and politics, especially in the 1950s and 1960s. Do you feel that there are connections between food and politics today? How are they connected?
7. Do you feel that food deserts, that is, areas that lack markets selling healthy foods, are responsible for the poor nutrition found among many low-income African Americans? What are some other reasons for their poor nutrition?
8. What can local governments do to create better access to healthy foods for low-income populations? What can residents of a locality do to obtain better food options in their community?
9. How much of a role should schools play in establishing good eating habits?
10. Does your community provide ways for people to learn about good nutrition? If not, how could the community create opportunities for this kind of learning?
