May 18: Just Eat It screening

We all love food. As a society, we devour countless cooking shows, culinary magazines and foodie blogs. So how could we possibly be throwing nearly 50% of it in the trash?

Filmmakers and food lovers Jen and Grant dive into the issue of waste — from farm, through retail, and all the way to the back of their own fridge.  After catching a glimpse of the billions of dollars of good food that is tossed each year in North America, they pledge to quit grocery shopping cold turkey and survive only on foods that would otherwise be thrown away.   In a nation where one in 10 people is food insecure, the images they capture of squandered groceries are both shocking and strangely compelling.  But as Grant's addictive personality turns full tilt towards food rescue, the 'thrill of the find' has unexpected consequences.

Featuring interviews with TED lecturer, author and activist Tristram Stuart and acclaimed author Jonathan Bloom, Just Eat It! looks at our systematic obsession with expiration dates, perfect produce and portion sizes, and reveals the core of this seemingly insignificant issue that is having devastating consequences around the globe.  Just Eat It! brings farmers, retailers, inspiring organizations and consumers to the table in a cinematic story that is equal parts education and delicious entertainment.

Post-film discussion will be led by Hana Uman, senior program manager at 412 Food Rescue.  Hana leads 412 Food Rescue's special projects, including Hidden Harvest, Ugly CSA and Food Education. Hana received her M.A. in food studies from Chatham University, concentrating in food politics, and was the recipient of the Albert Schweitzer Environmental Fellowship and the Falk Summer Sustainability Fellowship.  She has a strong passion for food and environmental justice and her work has reflected this passion through organizations including the Chatham Univeristy Office of Sustainability, Community Kitchen Pittsburgh and the Squirrel Hill Community Food Pantry.  Hana received her B.A. in media arts and design from James Madison University and enjoys spending her time adventuring in the outdoors, gardening, vegetarian cooking, biking and dancing.

7-9 p.m. in Botany Hall (the small grand building around to the left of the main Conservatory as viewed from the road.  Tickets are required to attend the screening and are free with regular admission to Phipps.  Pick up your free tickets in Phipps' Welcome Center at 5:30 p.m. or later on Fri., May 18. Phipps is open until 10 p.m. every Friday.  Learn more about the Phipps environmental film series and other programs here
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