Boy you gotta carry that weight

Carry that weight a long time

The Beatles

 

 

The Weight of the Nation: Consequences, part one of a four part HBO series on obesity in America, focuses on its consequences: for the individual, family, community, and even the nation. Obesity is defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher and it’s easy as we grow older to gradually put on the pounds.  The country too has grown fatter as it enters middle age – 68.8% of Americans are now technically overweight or obese.  If this were simply a matter of vanity or looks this issue would not be so grave.  However, being even slightly overweight, by as little as 5%, can have serious consequences for one’s health.

Consequences is a science heavy film.  Some of those interviewed were part of the groundbreaking Bogalusa Heart Study (1972-2005) that followed children into adulthood and discovered conclusively that heard disease begins in childhood.  Other interviewees are doctors and specialists.  Those interviewed who struggle with their weight discuss frankly the emotional and physical challenges.  The doctors and pathologists, meanwhile, explain in vivid detail the dangers of obesity: high blood pressure; heart, liver, and kidney disease; asthma; dementia; diabetes and its consequences such as blindness and amputations; and early death.

The statistics are not pretty.  Twenty percent of the kids in the Bogalusa study had arterial plaque and high cholesterol.  Now 50% of the children in Bogalusa, Louisiana are overweight or obese.  Obese children are eight times more likely than normal ones to develop diabetes.  It’s hard to say if Bogalusa is exceptional or whether it’s a bellwether – the new normal.

At one time obesity was considered a problem of poor people but rates of obesity are increasing among all socioeconomic classes.  While obesity no longer discriminates based on income, 9 of the 10 poorest states have the worst problem with it.  Nor is obesity determined by one’s ethnicity.  The scientific consensus is that it is a complex condition brought on by a combination of one’s DNA (not a single gene but perhaps hundreds) and one’s environment.  Some people are more susceptible than others and your surroundings play a big part.

The good news is that unlike many diseases, or a natural disaster such as a tsunami, obesity is preventable.  While being a mere 2-5% overweight carries increased health risks, many of these can be eliminated by achieving a healthy weight.  Consequences does not suggest that everything is up to the individual.  The film recognizes that solutions extend to the community and to the nation.  In fact, obesity costs the United States $150 billion in health care dollars, half of which is paid for by the public through Medicare and Medicaid.

Because The Weight of the Nation is a four-part series, it hones in on its subject matter and does not suffer, as do some food documentaries, by covering too much ground.  Consequences lays the groundwork on the dangers of obesity and hints at some solutions.  Subsequent parts, Choices, Children in Crisis, and Challenges complete the picture.

Weight of the Nation: Consequences will show Tuesday, May 14, second floor meeting room of the Coop, 7:00 p.m.  Free and open to the public.  Refreshments will be served.

This blog was compiled and written by Jocelyn Smith, BFC Communications Associate, with editing assistance by Adam Rabiner.

 

The following information is a brief run-down of some of the ongoing efforts underway in Brooklyn to provide relief to the victims of Hurricane Sandy and/or organizations in need of assistance.

 

Park Slope Food Coop

 

The Park Slope Food Coop has been tabling and gathering donations since last Friday and anticipates continuing its work to get supplies to a variety of locations in need. The Coop currently needs volunteers to table and/or drive supplies. Please go to the Coop at 782 Union St between 6th & 7th Avenues to sign up.

 

Added-Value/RedHook Community Farm

 

The farm lost a tremendous amount of equipment and all their crops.  The damage was enormous.  If you want to help out and/or donate, go to http://added-value.org/

Red Hook Initiative (RHI)

 

Red Hook Initiative is one of the hurricane relief headquarters in Red Hook. From RHI’s incredible volunteer outreach and involvement, hundreds of people are receiving a hot meal, medical attention, legal advice, and supplies.

To volunteer: please report to 402 Van Brunt Street, 10am – 5pm

 

Hot Meals: In order to coordinate services and maximize community impact, please contact RHI at food@rhicenter.org of your plans to deliver hot food. If needed, hot meals should be delivered to 767 Hicks Street between the hours of 11am and 5pm.

 

Cleaning Supplies/Water Pumps/Generators/Dehumidifiers: Please deliver to 402 Van Brunt Street, 10am – 5pm

 

Canned Food/Non-perishables/Flashlights/Candles/Blankets: Please deliver to Good Shepherd Services, 173 Conover Street OR Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, 98 Richards Street/Verona Street, 10am – 5pm

 

Donate Money: RHI is accepting contributions toward hurricane relief efforst in the community, website here: http://rhicenter.org/
Occupy Sandy

 

http://interoccupy.net/occupysandy/ – Check this website for the most up-to-date information on where to donate and how to volunteer.

 

Occupy Sandy is a coordinated relief effort to help distribute resources & volunteers to help neighborhoods and people affected by Hurricane Sandy. Occupy Sandy is a coalition of people & organizations who are dedicated to implementing aid and establishing hubs for neighborhood resource distribution. Coalition members include:  Occupy Wall Street, 350.org, recovers.org and interoccupy.net.
Brooklyn Exposed

 

Brooklyn Exposed has a great guide of volunteer opportunities in Brooklyn.

http://brooklynexposed.com/food-drink/entry/volunteering-during-hurricane-sandy-in-brooklyn-and-nyc/

Food and Water Distribution in New York City

 

http://www.nyc.gov/html/misc/html/2012/foodandwater.html
The Brooklyn Kitchen

 

http://www.thebrooklynkitchen.com/7982/hurricane-sandy-update/

The Brooklyn Kitchen is no longer accepting donations, volunteers, and cars but is maintaining an up to date blog with helpful information and resources.
City Harvest

 

City Harvest maintains an Emergency Food Locator to identify agencies that are distributing emergency food. NOTE: Please call the agency ahead of time.

http://www.cityharvest.org/locator
Brooklyn Recovery Fund

 

https://connect.brooklyncommunityfoundation.org/brooklyn-recovery-fund

Aiding local Brooklyn nonprofits, civic institutions, and small businesses that were impacted by Hurricane Sandy (via Support Victims of Hurricane Sandy on Facebook)
Gowanus Community Center
           

Address: 420 Baltic Street in Brooklyn
To sign up for shifts, please visit: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dGdZWDVmVUh0R0pOS1h5aTk1OUZaQmc6MQ

 

The community center needs help with:

Food/Supply Setup (starts 11am)

Food Distribution (starts 12pm)

Door-knocking/Canvassing (multiple shifts available)

Deliveries (multiple shifts available)

Volunteer coordination (starts 11am)
The Church of St. Luke and St. Matthew

 

520 Clinton Avenue (between Fulton & Atlantic)

Brooklyn, NY 11238

 

HOURS: 9am – 9pm

Volunteer training is going on at this location.

 

Specific Donation Requests:

Blankets, Candles, Flashlights, Lights, Water, Food, Batteries, Diapers, and Wipes. Gloves, Masks, Rubber Boots, Shovels, Cleaning Supplies, Bleach, Trash Bags. Serving Dishes, Utensils, Winter Wear (Jackets, Hats, Gloves, Warm Stuff) and Fresh Produce (bread/eggs/milk, non-perishables).
By Brooklyn Blog: South Brooklyn Unites

 

http://bybrooklyn.com/blog/2012/11/south-brooklyn-unites/

South Brooklyn small businesses are coming together to support fellow business owners hit hard by Hurricane Sandy in Red Hook.
NYC Service

 

http://www.nycservice.org/
Food Bank of New York City

 

http://www.foodbanknyc.org/

 

Food Bank of New York City is distributing emergency food and supplies. To donate, text FBNYC to 50555 or make a monetary contribution online at https://secure3.convio.net/fbnyc/site/Donation2?idb=1474389737&df_id=2781&2781.donation=form1
Nona Brooklyn: Brooklyn Food Events: Hurricane Sandy Relief Edition

 

http://nonabrooklyn.com/brooklyn-food-events-hurricane-sandy-relief-edition/#.UJfXjhzoSjw
Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens (CCBQ)

 

Hurricane Sandy Relief Effort – Food Pantry Brooklyn

 

http://www.ccbq.org/hurricane-sandy-relief-effort-food-pantry-brooklyn

Congregation Beth Elohim

 

The temple is looking for volunteers to help this week preparing food and making deliveries. The website below is to sign up for a shift (only ones right now are for this past weekend, but maybe they will be posting more soon)

 

The congregation is also accepting donations of candles, batteries, flashlights, water, non-perishables, and more for shelters in Red Hook.

 

http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=f4ayb6bab&v=001bNaaDsMZRRdqGh0_QcHQZGRIqMi49i7nzrfzI7644QQYtMySetDisEvfKpgNoPd6oR2Lp2x4-LkxGgT76cd7iQxVuVQvavk3YZnbcJ-L_ByFkA64Z1OQIU5mNL-XZ_d8C76YrJDf4WkURGbolzcPOW_pwuZsFNbN
New York Blood Center

 

http://www.nybloodcenter.org/index.jsp

To donate, call 800-933-2566
Feeding America

 

Feeding America is working to distribute to victims of Hurricane Sandy located in the disaster zone emergency food, water and supplies.  To donate, visit the website (http://feedingamerica.org/) or call 800-910-5524 (via ABC News).

SPECIFIC EVENTS:

Dine Out Williamsburg

http://dineoutwilliamsburg.com/All
On November 8th, 2012, participating restaurants, bars, and businesses will be donating a percentage of their sales to the Red Cross to benefit Sandy relief efforts. Participants include Best Pizza, Brooklyn Winery, Cadaques Tapas Bar, Cafe Colette, Cantina Royal, Campion Coffee, Cubana Social, Diner, D.O.C. Wine Bar, Dressler, Dumont Burger, Dumont, duckduck bar, Forcella, Gwynnett St, Huckleberry Bar, Isa, Lady Jays, Lighthouse, Lokal Bistro, Lucky Dog Bar, Maison Premiere, Manhattan Inn, Marlow & Sons, Miranda Restaurant, Nita Nita, Nitehawk Cinemas, Normans Kill, Oak and Iron, Oslo Coffee, Parish Hall, Pies ‘n’ Thighs, Reynards, Roebling Tea Room, Roman’s, Rosamundes Sausage Grill, Rye Restaurant, Sindicato De Cocineros, Teddy’s Bar and Grill, The Brooklyn Star, The Counting Room, The Meatball Shop, The Saint Austere, TUFFET: Cheese/Meat/Bar, Vine Wine, and Walter Foods.
Clean Plates

 

Souper Sunday: A Soup Bowl for Sandy Recovery

http://brooklyn.cleanplates.com/events/soup-bowl-fundraiser-sandy/

Souper Sunday is a Soup Bowl Fundraiser for Greenpoint Soup Kitchen & Food Pantry

When: November 18, 4pm – 6pm

Where: EAT, 124 Meserole Avenue, Greenpoint

How Much: $25, 100% of which goes to charity

Restaurants Helping with Sandy Relief

Eater: Where to eat out for Sandy Relief in New York City

 

http://ny.eater.com/archives/2012/11/where_to_eat_out_for_sandy_relief_and_where_to_donate.php

The 2010 documentary Gasland was the opening cinematic salvo against hydraulic fracturing, a controversial method of extracting natural gas deposits from underground rock formations, at a time when few of us knew anything about hyrdrofracking or fracking.  It’s now 2012, Joshua Fox is busy working on his anti-fracking sequel, Gasland 2, and others film makers have joined the fray.  October’s Plow to Plate event will feature several clips from a work in progress. Groundswell: Protecting Our Children’s Air and Water – a documentary unfolding, will be hosted by Associate Producer Dave Walczak and feature a Q & A via Skype with the producer/director Renard Cohen.

Gasland was a highly personal and somewhat quixotic exposé.  It educated the public about a clear and imminent danger and had great shock value: if nothing else, people will remember the scene where a man held a lighter up to his running faucet and lit his tap water on fire. 

Groundswell educates as well, but since much of the ground has already been laid, the film is free to focus more prominently on the growing anti-fracking movement, as well as issues that were not dealt with in depth by Fox’s groundbreaking film, for example the heavy traffic associated with this method of extraction – or fraffic.

Pine Creek Valley,Pennsylvaniahas a bucolic appearance and a peaceful name, but now it’s anything but.  Tri-axles, 18 wheelers, and pickup trucks form convoys in both directions down the narrow country roads passing at the rate of 1 per minute – 50 to 60 per hour.  Every 24 hours, seven days a week, 750-1,500 large, heavy vehicles snake to and fro from the gas sites hauling supplies and equipment and removing waste.  As bad as this seems, it is only the beginning of the gridlock nightmare.  There are fewer than 50 wells in the area with 1,000 more planned.  Sitting in traffic, David Kagan laments, “I wanted to live here, but, I wanted to grow old here…”

Kagan is choking back tears of frustration and anger and Groundswell, as its name implies, chronicles both ordinary folk and celebrities as they channel this emotion into concrete action.  Actor and activist Mark Ruffalo, musician John Sebastian, and now noted film maker, Joshua Fox, all speak out at public hearings.  And a rag tag team of citizens wearing black tee-shirts and carrying black umbrellas with anti-fracking messages tails Governor Cuomo for a full 45 minutes at the New York State Fair in Syracuse singing “Stop, in the name of love, before you frack NY,” and “I love New York, don’t frack New York” (to the tune of the old ad jingle) and chanting “No fracking way” and “Hey hey, Cuomo, hydrofracking’s gotta go.”  It’s a funny segment, and if nothing else, the word fracking lends itself well to anti-industry messaging.  The uncomfortable governor must endure this all with a public smile and no comment. 

InNew YorkState, the moratorium on fracking is about to end.  But this issue is far from settled.  Come out and meet these film makers and become part of the groundswell.

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Tuesday, October 9^th, 2012

Park Slope Food Coop – 2^nd Floor

7:00 p.m.  Refreshments will be served.

The Global Banquet – The Politics of Food should be required viewing for many of the Occupy movements around the country.  It’s preaching to the choir, but what the film achieves that the Occupy movements often lack is an artful indictment of corporate capitalism.  This dense 57 minute documentary is a searing critique of globalization and the corporate takeover of local food systems.

The film’s central thesis is that the conventional wisdom that advances in technology and global food systems are necessary to feed the world is a myth.  Rather, unfettered free trade, based upon the economic theory of comparative advantage – that countries should only produce and export those products that they can make cheaper than others –  is a mistake and harmful.  Far from creating wealth, on the contrary it leads to the loss of livelihood for millions of farmers, suicides, hunger, mass migrations from the countryside to the cities, exploitation of resources by global corporations, and increased poverty.  Corporations, as depicted in The Global Banquet, are as exploitative as the Once-ler – that rapacious devourer of Truffula trees in Dr. Seuss’s The Lorax.

Globalization’s failure, according to the film, is due to the fact that free trade, open markets, and corporate capitalism ignore equity (in favor of efficiency), a sovereign nation’s interests in food security and land reform, and do not respond to the needs of those without money – which is most of the world’s population.  Over 1.2 billion people – about 40% of the world’s population – make less than $1.00 a day.  It hardly matters if a loaf of bread or a bowl of rice has gotten cheaper if fewer people have money and farmers who have been driven from their land can no longer feed themselves.

The film posits that rather than creating a rising tide of prosperity, globalization is causing people to drown.  Over the past twenty years income per person has declined dramatically, life expectancy and levels of education have decreased, infant mortality has increased, and other measurements show that extremist globalization has failed.  Food scarcity is not the culprit, but rather, income inequality.

The Global Banquet argues that solutions to this problem lie in harnessing economic markets, placing some controls on corporations and certain limits to free trade, and returning to policies that encourage local agriculture so people can once again feed themselves.  Contrary to popular belief, small farms, according to the film, are actually more productive and sustainable than larger farms, producing more food per acre, because they don’t rely on a single commodity crop but grow many different fruits and vegetables.

The Global Banquet does an admiral job of weaving disparate threads into a cohesive whole and making or suggesting connections between events and phenomena that might not be obvious, for example farmer suicides in the United States and India or World Trade Organization (WTO) protestors in Seattle a decade ago and present day Occupiers.

Corporations are not going away any time soon, and they remain powerful actors on the global stage.  However, most analysts in the movie believe that their influence has been seriously weakened in the face of the recent economic meltdown, increased global awareness across the first and third worlds, and the surge of countervailing actors – non-government organizations (NGOs), farm workers, labor unions, churches, consumers, etc. – across the food justice/sovereignty movement (the globalization of civil society).

Continued advocacy is necessary to rewrite WTO trade rules and farm policies to support small scale agriculture and farmers.  And continued vigilance will always be necessary.  But when even Hollywood begins to echo a pro-environment, anti corporate messages, it’s harder for large corporations to get away with bad behavior and there’s some reason to hope that their power can be checked.

 

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Tuesday, September 11^th, 2012

Park Slope Food Coop – 2^nd Floor

7:00 p.m.  Refreshments will be served.