Cafeteria Man(Richard Chisolm, 2011):US

Reviewed by Natanya Maskart. Viewed at the Metro 4 Theatre, Santa Barbara.

Cafeteria man is a documentary filled with energy, passion and wisdom about a rebellious energetic chef named Tony Geraci. Geraci is a powerful man leading a movement to radically change Baltimore’s public school food system. Many of us can relate to this film because in all of our lifetime we have all had school lunch one time or another, getting handed some type of food that is unrecognizable with mystery meat or given a hot dog that if you drop will bounce around. At least personally in my school day I experienced such things like this and can see how the audience can really relate to this issue, which so many have dealt with but never stood up and fought to change.

In the Baltimore school distract they have the same problem and Chef Geraci is ready to be the man to stand up and make the change.  Joining forces with social activist, people of the community and most importantly the kids of the Baltimore School Distract.  By having them all come together they wish to fight for something that they strongly believe in. They believe that combining their power and voices together, that they can give themselves the power to change the pre packaged, unidentifiable, unhealthy and gross school lunches into something that kids can feel healthy and proud of eating such as many different greens from local farmers. Not only helping out the children of Baltimore but also the local farmers and supporting their businesses and way of life.

Geraci is not only just trying to change the way kids are eating in Baltimore and in today’s day, but also to provide information and teach them about healthy choices and the right way to live life and being in good shape. He introduces kids from the inner city to a different view of looking at food and how it is cultivated.  Inspiring them that they can produce their own foods and work hand in hand with local farmers which will help improve the quality of food that they are eating and how although the food is very nutritious is also tasty when prepared the right way.

With his two year plan to change the food system and having a camera fallow him to many of his different board meeting and hearings, we see the roller coaster that this journey takes him on and who is supportive of this project. I really enjoyed how so much of the film was of the kids and listening to them speak and share there viewpoint on this issue and what they think needs to be done and how they are going to make the change they want into a reality. It is very motivational and inspiring to see that through the making of this film that what Geraci has tought to these kids has already made a change in many lives. If you are someone who enjoys cooking and has a passion for food then this is a must see film. Geraci really shows his passion for food and how important it is to eat healthy and take care of your body. This documentary was very captivating and would encourage everyone to see and would think many would enjoy seeing because it relates to students and children of our country, which was all one of us at a time in our lives.