Entry #7: Fresh

    Hello, reader.

    In today's blog post, I will be discussing the 2009 film, Fresh. Fresh portrays the industrialization of food production and paints a picture of how Americans consumers are disconnected from the reality of where their food comes from. Even as an educated viewer about the food industry, I was still appalled by the methods farmers use with their animals. This extends all the way to factory farms, where the gross mistreatment of living beings is allowed purely for human benefit. The film discusses the good and the bad of industrialization; showing the bigger farms in comparison to the humane, smaller farms.

    One of the farmers, Joel Salatin, has always stuck to his practice of treating his animals like are also workers on the farm. A pig farmer, Russ Kremer, used to rely on additives to give to his pigs. After developing a mutated virus from an incident by one of his pegs, he decided to get clean and change everything up. Now, all his pigs are completely healthy and live life as natural as it can get. Another noticeable farmer the film includes is Will Allen, who turned a wasteland into his farm for many to enjoy. Allen believes in completely organic food, so he manages his farm in the most natural way that he can. Apart from the farmers, Fresh interviews several food economists. Some mention the cruelty of factory farms, while others emphasize the importance of mass food production. The movie showcases the multiple perspectives of food industrialization, but makes sure to express the necessary steps needed to move away from harmful processes of food.

    

    I can definitely say that the disturbing clips of animals being shoved together in small, tight pens can pull at anyone's heartstrings. It is a horrifying thought to think of, or even imagine being in. The contrast of factory farms compared to the humane practices of smaller farms are a stark difference. This film, like many other food industrialization films, are necessary in spreading awareness of the reality of American food. The more people remain ignorant about it, the worse these processes can get. I do recognize the importance of mass production, but I cannot turn a blind eye to the steps that people have taken and continue to take to get there. It is irrelevant what meat you eat, what matters is where it comes from.

    One of the quotes from the movie is something among the lines of Americans hating inconvenience. This is a major reason why food production in factory farmers continues; purely to continue producing food for the masses. As long as food gets pumped out, people could care less about the conditions of where their food originates. It is important to care, as it affects not only the farmers in the food industry, but the consumers as well. A lot of this was evident throughout COVID, where callbacks were sent for several types of food. The focus on quantity over quality created a huge concern for many, while others remained in a sheltered bubble. Being aware of what kind of food you buy and how healthy it is should be essential to everyone. Even if a viewer of this film does not care about their well being, they should at least take into consideration the state of the planet and the people around them. Food industrialization does not effect one single person, it affects all.