****Connections****

The connection between Ruth Ozeki's book All Over Creation and the film the Future of Food is fairly obvious. Both are concerned with genetically modified foods and what these foods mean for the future of the human race. Ozeki's book creates a group of characters that are described as intelligent hippies. These hippies travel all over the country to try and raise consumers awareness that the food they are consuming has been genetically modified in some way. The film also talks about how consumers are frighteningly ignorant of the ingredients that have been used in their food. The film and the book both point out how companies are not required by the US Government to label something that has been genetically modified in some way. This is all the more concerning considering the intimate relationship between the government and companies that genetically modify food. I found it really interesting, but not surprising, that many of the Monsanto employees were now working in the government, in positions that would be able to protect their former employer.

There are some things that consumers can do to fight back against the corporations who want to genetically modify our food. To start with, consumers need to change their shopping habits, and start buying fruits and vegetables from their local farmers. By buying local food, the consumer would be helping not only the environment, but public health as well. Consumers must also educate themselves and be aware of what is happening with their food. Most consumers do not know where their food comes from, and this information can be difficult to find as most grocery store workers also don't know where the food has come from. In order for things to change, consumers need to change their habits, even if this means paying a little more for food or having to plan meals differently so consumers can shop at their local farmers market.