Documentary shows path to becoming ‘Food Patriots’

PHOTO: Filmmakers Jeff and Jennifer Spitz chronicled their family’s journey to eating more locally in “Food Patriots.”

As a fundraiser for the Rogers Park Co-op, the documentary “Food Patriots” will be shown on Tuesday (April 21).

The film will begin at 7 p.m. in Centennial Forum (Bremmer Lounge) on Loyola University’s lakefront campus, 1125 W. Loyola Ave. (Boy, don’t you just love the name of the documentary?)

Filmmakers Jeff and Jennifer Spitz used to eat the way the rest of us do — a bit mindlessly. That is until their son, Sam Spitz, ate chicken contaminated with a superbug, became very ill and antibiotics weren’t working. That experience prompted them to change the way their family ate. They decided to eat more locally produced foods and to grow and raise their own. “Food Patriots” shows just what happened when they took on this endeavor. It features a number of others who also want to change the way Americans eat and buy food. Read more about it here. While this is a serious subject, the documentary shows the Spitz family encountered many a humorous moment on their quest to eat better. Check out the trailer below.

After the film is shown, Sam Spitz will be part of a panel discussion.

In its third year of operation, the Rogers Park Co-op has a campaign going on to sign up its first 300 members. It plans to operate a cooperative grocery store in Rogers Park, which will offer locally grown, sustainable and artisanal foods.

The co-op also wants to be a gathering place for the community and plans to offer food education programs as well. Check out its Facebook page.

Tickets for the film are $10, or $5 for college students with IDs and children 18 and under. Buy tickets here or at the door.

Sounds like a film worth checking out and a way to help a good endeavor.