The Kids Menu
| The Kids Menu | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Kurt Engfehr |
| Written by |
|
| Produced by | Jamin Mendelsohn |
| Cinematography | Kurt Engfehr |
| Edited by |
|
| Music by | Gary Meister |
Release date |
|
Running time | 88 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
The Kids Menu is a 2016 American documentary film that discusses the growing problem of childhood obesity.[1] It is produced by Australian filmmaker Joe Cross, who co-created Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead,[2][3] and directed by Kurt Engfehr.
Content
[edit]The Kids Menu advocates informed dietary choices while promoting fruits, vegetables, whole grains and unprocessed foods.[4] Cross focuses on educating children about nutrition and searching for accessible ways for them to learn about healthy foods and transform their diets.[5][6][7] The film features interviews from leading health experts who offer advice about healthy food alternatives and access to healthy and affordable options,[8] and explores the influence of role models such as parents, teachers and celebrities, proposing that childhood obesity is in fact a symptom of a bigger problem.[9] It also asks key questions about the causes of childhood obesity and comorbidities and works to raise consciousness about health and wellness.[10][11] To educate children about food and nutrition, The Kids Menu introduces several programs in schools and communities around the United States, including the East Hampton Wellness Foundation[12][13] and the Encinitas Union School District's health and wellness program.[14] The film highlights teachers, parents, scientists and activists raising awareness of nutritional needs and encouraging children to participate in healthy eating.[15] It features Tim Baird, Jennifer Bond, Cross, Curt Ellis, Eliza Fournier, Deb Grant, Sam Kass, Michel Nischan, Rachael Ray, Brian Wansink and Janet Wojcicki.[16]
Reception
[edit]The film has received generally favorable reviews for its contribution to raising awareness about childhood obesity.[2] Common Sense Media stated that "it's informative and confident that change is possible, and [the film] offers positive, viable solutions."[17] The film holds a rating of 40% from the review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes.[18] Although Food & Nutrition noticed that "it was also unfortunate to see school lunch only briefly touched on and in a negative light", they praised the film, stating that it "does a great job at highlighting the potential influences that communities, teachers and parents have on childhood obesity, which can hopefully help formulate ideas and programs that can be implemented at all levels."[19]
References
[edit]- ^ Jourdan, Domanique (March 21, 2016). "The Kids Menu". WJLA-TV. Retrieved September 30, 2016.
- ^ a b Ava, Miriam (March 21, 2016). "The Kids Menu: Scoop & Interview with Joe Cross". The Huffington Post. Retrieved September 30, 2016.
- ^ Corbin, Lori (April 11, 2016). "New Film About Fighting Childhood Obesity Features Good News". KABC-TV. Retrieved September 30, 2016.
- ^ Caryn Hartglass (March 22, 2016). "Robbyne Kaamil and Joe Cross" (Podcast). Responsible Eating and Living. Retrieved October 1, 2016.
- ^ Merryl, Kitty; Toy, Emily (March 23, 2016). "What's On The Kids Menu?". The Independent. Retrieved October 1, 2016.
- ^ Garry, Katie. "Joe Cross Tackles Childhood Obesity in The Kids Menu". Clean Eating. Retrieved October 1, 2016.
- ^ Ava, Miriam (March 20, 2016). "The Kids Menu: Scoop & Interview With Joe Cross". Colors of Gratitude. Retrieved October 1, 2016.
- ^ Suhay, Lisa (March 26, 2016). "Will Millennials pass time crunch or breakfast munch on to their kids?". The Christian Science Monitor. Retrieved October 1, 2016.
- ^ Scipioni, Jade Scipioni (June 17, 2016). "Squeezing out Billions - How One Man Created Juice Boom". Fox Business. Retrieved October 1, 2016.
- ^ "GCN Live Today" (Podcast). Genesis Communications Network. March 16, 2016. Retrieved October 1, 2016.
- ^ Lisa Davis. "Joe Cross" (Podcast). It's Your Health Network. Retrieved October 1, 2016.
- ^ Zahl, Jaime (March 23, 2016). "East Hampton Wellness Foundation Stars In New Documentary 'The Kids Menu'". 27east.com. The East Hampton Press. Retrieved October 1, 2016.
- ^ Pilgrim, Joanna (March 17, 2016). "School Lunch Boycotters Appear in Documentary". The East Hampton Star. Retrieved October 1, 2016.
- ^ Whitlock, Jared (February 23, 2016). "Encinitas school district featured in new documentary". Encinitas Advocate. Retrieved October 1, 2016.
- ^ "PartOne Dr Don with Joe Cross, The Kids Menu" (Podcast). The Dr. Don Show. March 9, 2016. Retrieved October 1, 2016.
- ^ Rapp, John (March 6, 2016). "Joe Cross of 'Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead' and 'The Kids Menu'". The Chris Brake Show. Retrieved October 1, 2016.
- ^ Schonfeld, Renee (June 29, 2016). "The Kids Menu Movie Review". Common Sense Media. Retrieved September 30, 2016.
- ^ "The Kids Menu (2016)". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved September 30, 2016.
- ^ King, Kristi (March 2, 2016). "The Kids Menu". Food & Nutrition. Retrieved September 30, 2016.