Food For Change is a feature-length documentary film about food co-ops and the history of the cooperative movement in America. The goal of the film is to raise awareness nationally about the cooperative economic model, promote cross-sector cooperative collaboration, and provide cooperative education to co-op members, college students and the general public. The movie focuses on consumer food co-ops to tell the larger story of cooperatives - their role in American history and their current efforts to create local food systems.
The project began when award-winning filmmaker and co-op member Steve Alves was asked to make a film for the Franklin Community Co-op. Alves uncovered many historical films and stories about the increase of cooperatives following the stock market crash of 1929 and throughout the Great Depression — achievements which were later thwarted when consumerism and the cold war prevailed as dominant economic and social forces. Food co-ops re-emerged from the tumultuous events of the 1960s as an alternative to factory farms and corporate grocery chains.
Considering the resurgence of food co-ops today and their mission to educate members and the general public, it became apparent that this much larger story could be told if other co-ops joined in.
Of the $300,000 total budget, $160,000 has been raised to date from 77 food co-ops and 7 organizations in 27 states. If more co-ops contribute in-line with the funding plan, the film can be completed in time for the 2012 United Nations' International Year of Cooperatives. IYC presents an extraordinary opportunity to spread the word about cooperation. Please support this important documentary.
The projects 501(c)(3) non-profit fiscal agent is the Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association.
