Cafeteria Man 2011
Distributed by The Video Project, PO Box 411376, San Francisco, CA 94141-1376; 800-475-2638
Produced by Sheila Kinkade
Directed by Richard Chisolm
DVD, color, 65 min.
Jr. High - General Adult
African American Studies, Agriculture, Business, Food, Health Sciences, Education, Cookery, Nutrition
Date Entered: 12/04/2012
Reviewed by Barb Bergman, Minnesota State University, MankatoCafeteria Man follows the charismatic Tony Geraci in his role of Food and Nutrition Director for the Baltimore school system as he works to improve the dreadfully poor quality lunches served to the students. Over the course of the film, we see Geraci working on the bigger picture issues of how local fresh foods are beneficial on several levels: fresh local food costs less, supports local farmers, and students receive much better quality meals. Additionally, students and the community benefits from school gardens where students, who live in neighborhoods that don’t even have space for grass, are able to get their hands dirty learning to grow and prepare fresh vegetables and fruits.
The film touches on the many obstacles to improved school lunch while not getting bogged down in the details. Federal regulations are mentioned. There is an telling scene where the lunch ladies inform Geraci that their schools have not been receiving the fresh produce the district has purchased.
Technical qualities are good.
Cafeteria Man is highly recommended for a wide range of classes in addition to family & consumer science programs. The film could be used to generate discussion about many topics, such as urban schools, healthy eating, childhood obesity, local food movement, economic issues, community involvement, and youth activism.
Screening guide and other information available on the film’s website.
See related EMRO film reviews:
Cafeteria Confidential
Lunch Line