Fred Hampton Jr. (left) appears with Anthony Clark (right) in the film “Feed ‘Em All.” On Friday evening, Hampton will be on a post-film discussion panel moderated by Clark.
By Laurie Casey
If you live, work, worship or attend school in Chicago’s Austin and West Side communities, you’re invited to a special, free Food & Film Showcase, this Friday evening, Oct. 7, at By The Hand Club for Kids, 415 N. Laramie, in Chicago. A fascinating panel discussion will feature community activists including Fred Hampton Jr., son of Black Panthers Chairman Fred Hampton.
And even if you’re not local, good food fans everywhere are welcome to watch the films and live discussion virtually.
Here at One Earth, we are celebrating food justice during the harvest month of October. At this event, explore with us key issues such as food apartheid, food deserts, and the systemic forces that hurt health, longevity and quality of life for millions of people across the U.S.—as well as the healers and helpers working to make healthy food more plentiful.
Two short films shine a light on the inadequate food system in much of Chicago. “As We are Planted” (2020; 7 min) by Anna Lee Ackermann explores a Chicago South Side food pantry’s relationship with an urban farm. “Feed ‘Em All” (2021; 27 min) by Helen Quinn-Pasin profiles activists trying to address the lack of healthy food on Chicago’s West Side.
Whether you attend in person or virtually, this event is great for general audiences and older children and teens. It is hosted by Austin Eats, a consortium of community organizations working to change the food landscape and rewrite the narrative around food in Austin.
The in-person event will include free tasty bites and a small farmers’ market featuring early fall fresh produce. Samples will include sweet potato cornbread, vegetarian greens, vegan quesadillas, vegan spring rolls, and rice and bean poppers provided by Vegan World Cafe and Beyond Hunger, beginning at 6 p.m. along with cooking demonstrations. Films will begin at 7 p.m. followed by a panel discussion.
Anna Lee Ackermann directed “As We Are Planted.”
The first film, “As We Are Planted,” by Anna Lee Ackermann, features the collaboration of St. James Food Pantry and an urban farm, Just Roots, on Chicago’s South Side. Food pantry coordinator Cathy Moore tells her personal story as a former struggling client, then an employee, before being promoted to her current role. The film also follows members of the Just Roots team as they provide fresh, local produce to the pantry.
Ackermann discovered Just Roots during her studies at Columbia College Chicago. An exploration of the farm led to its relationship with St. James Food Pantry. “It was shocking to me that in this neighborhood just a handful of blocks away from where I was studying in Chicago, people lacked access to grocery stores and fresh healthy food,” said Ackermann. “I didn’t know this was a problem. I acknowledge my privilege in not knowing.”
Through her film Ackermann hopes that viewers gain awareness of food insecurity. “It’s a national and global issue,” she said. “There are really great organizations doing work in our communities to help alleviate that issue. There may be organizations like Just Roots across the country: School gardens, community gardens and urban farms.”
Helen Quinn-Pasin directed “Feed ‘Em All.”
The second film, “Feed ‘Em All,” exposes food insecurity on the West Side of Chicago. It follows activist Anthony Clark as he helps to bring a Community Fridge—a public refrigerator stocked with free food by volunteers—to the birth home of Black Panthers Chairman Fred Hampton in the west suburban community of Maywood. In the 1970s, the Black Panthers famously set up free breakfast programs to address hunger in Black communities. Chairman Fred Hampton Jr. is featured in the film.
The film also follows representatives of Austin Harvest Freshmarket, owners of a vegan restaurant, co-directors of an early childhood program, and other activists navigating the challenges of living in a food desert.
“The most impactful thing I discovered while researching this film is how ordinary people have come up with incredibly powerful solutions to address food insecurity in their communities,” said Quinn-Pasin. “I hope that people can see there are blueprints for solutions to the problem.”
Yet, Quinn-Pasin said, “Sometimes it is hard to feel hopeful, especially when the responsibility to address the problem has been pushed down to the individual, when really it should be politicians making systemic changes.”
Both the in person and the virtual events will include a panel discussion facilitated by film subject and activist Anthony Clark. He will talk to Fred Hampton Jr., president and chairman of the Prisoners of Conscience Committee and chairman of the Black Panther Party Cubs; Bri Kellogg from Beyond Hunger; Lynette Kelly-Bell from A House in Austin; and Neveah H., a youth representative from Austin Harvest. Both film directors will make appearances virtually and in person. Book FREE tickets now.
Austin Eats Presents: A FREE Food & Film Showcase
As We Are Planted by Anna Lee Ackerman
Feed ‘Em All by Helen Quinn-Pasin
Friday, October 7,
In Person 6-8:30 p.m., Central Time
Virtual 6:45-8:30 p.m.
By the Hand Club for Kids
415 N. Laramie
Chicago, IL 60644
Or, join us virtually from anywhere, and bring ideas to your own community!