Here are some comments from Food Policy Graduate students after watching the film:
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I really enjoyed the film, and I agree with the comment made in class that
it would be great to show school children as part of their health
curriculum. The part that featured the two adults with diabetes was
especially moving, and I think it would be quite influential for young
people to hear these first-hand stories from diabetics. I think most people
think that the only negative result of an unhealthy diet is weight gain,
whereas the movie did a great job of showing how poor diet can have other
enormous health consequences down the line. The complications of diabetes
can lead to blindness, amputations, and various other physical pains that
often go unmentioned among general conversations about overweight and
obesity. Hearing stories told from real people about the onset of the
disease and how it has impacted their lives is a more powerful educational
tool than having students read about it in a textbook (or omitting it from
the curriculum altogether!)

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As mentioned in class, I thought the film was very approachable; it did not
scare, which was the impetus behind my comment that the film should be
required viewing for every child in school today.

The only things that gave me pause in the film was when Caleb's dad
mentioned his not eating bacon due to health concerns. A minor detail, but I
wonder if this might cause uninformed viewers to think that bacon is an
unhealthy choice. Which it isn't, so long as moderation and sourcing are
taken into account.

The other thought that I had concerned the conversation that was held
between the two girls and Anne Lappe about the big 10 food companies in the
United States. I'm glad that they're mentioned, but I'm surprised that they
were legally allowed to mention their names in the film! While they didn't
trash these companies, the film suggests all along that the ag industrial
complex is behind many of our empty calories, so it seems easy to put one
and one together.

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(this one is from a physician)

I thought the film beautifully illustrated how children could be very good
not only at increasing awareness among their peers but among adults as well.
I agree that this film ought to be shown to all kids in our schools (public
and private) but it could also be a highly effective educational tool for
the existing preventive programs in our clinics, hospitals and offices. A
number of films and videos about healthy eating often resorted to scare
tactics and their efficacy in changing behavior was often fleeting (like
fear itself - unless it is pathological). For me, the strength of this film
was how the affection each participant had for each other and for what they
were doing really came through. If that could not convince others to begin
changing their behavior, I am not sure what else would.

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(global health grad student)

i too thought the film was beautifully done, putting the issues surrounding
health and food politics in a very positive light. i found a great strength
of the film to be its ability to address both the need for improving school
meals as well as the larger community issues such as supporting local
agriculture through farmers markets and CSA's. it seems many times while
these issues intrinsically overlaps, i rarely see information presented so
well together, as it was done in this film. on a personal note, the film
sparked a new love for living in such a beautifully, diverse, global city!

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I absolutely loved the film. I thought it was really well done and was so
impressed with the maturity of the girls. As mentioned in class, it was
great to hear things from a young perspective, put into simple "child
speak". I was especially moved by the story of the Angel family and I think
it's so wonderful that, as a result of the film, they will be able to see
their food through a CSA.

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(a nutrition health professional who immigrated from Russia)

This is an amazing documentary. It grabbed our attention from the first
second and kept us 100% interested and involved throughout.

Personally, I have never had children and never worked with any and was not
aware that children at such a young age are capable of such intellectual
conversations and the deep level of understanding of the issues affecting
the world around them.

As I mentioned in class, documentaries such as this one are often used
abroad as English-language learning tools. The teachers gather whatever
they can get their hands on (I remember reading Sydney Sheldon at age 9 in
my school and watching the Love Story) and show it to the students. If
copies of this film are distributed to the schools around the world, then
the children can not only learn English, but learn about two beautiful
American girls AND about the healthy way of eating at a young age.

It would also be a great film for the dietitians to have at their offices.
It is a great family film that parents can watch with their children. What
better way to initiate a family dialogue?

Finally, I left empowered in the end of it. If two little girls could get
the dialogue started, make a difference, and get people talking - imagine
what a group of dedicated and educated adults can do!

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(the veterinarian)

Totally agree with the former posts! For once, the speakers did not resort
to scare/shock tactics that I completely abhor. Although it certainly has a
bias, the non-imposing format raises a consciousness that is up to you to
decide... At first I thought it lacked the sobriety, being narrated by
kids, and found it a little distracting, but the simplicity of the message
makes it so approachable, and more importantly, allows younger generations
to be connected. Definitely think this is the upstream, media-savvy
approach that entails effective health communications!

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I agree with the former posts as well. It was a bit distracting at first
that it was being narrated by children, but as it progressed, I felt very
engaged by the story. They wove in well the narratives about their own lives
with the stakeholder interviews. Throughout it, I kept thinking that the
president needs to see this. Already in tune with many of the food issues
that this nation faces, this could certainly be a motivator for him and his
cabinet to research more and creatively think of ways in which to improve
the food system in this country. At the same time, it can help mobilize
people, no matter how young or old, to support an issue that directly
affects them. It informs in a way that is non-threatening, and it does not
use terminology that is above an average lay person's head.

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I thought the film was remarkable. Initially I was a bit skeptical that the
children would simply be voicing their mother¹s opinion but as the
documentary evolved you could see that it was in fact their (the girls)
voices and thoughts being expressed. I am looking forward to the sequel
that will branch out to children throughout the country and see if similar
thoughts and questions arise.

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(another global health grad student)

I just wanted to drop you a note to say thank you very much for giving us
the opportunity to view this movie. It was well done and a privilege to get
to watch.
Thank you,