Eating near the poverty line: "Food Stamped" billed as November featured film in Whole Foods Market's® Do Something Reel Film Festival

AUSTIN, Texas, Nov. 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- With over 46 million Americans relying on the Supplemental Nutrition Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps, putting food on the table is a very real struggle for many.  This month, Whole Foods Market debuts "Food Stamped" as the November featured film in the Do Something Reel Film Festival.

The film features nutrition educator Shira Potash, who teaches cooking classes to elementary school students in low-income neighborhoods, most of whom are eligible for food stamps. It is produced and directed by Yoav Potash, Shira's husband.

In an effort to walk a mile in their shoes, Shira and Yoav embark on the "Food Stamp Challenge" for one week, which equates to eating on a budget of approximately $1 per person, per meal. They added the effort to eat healthy to their challenge.

Along the way, they consult with Members of Congress, food justice activists, nutrition experts and ordinary people living on food stamps to take a deep look at the American food system from multiple perspectives.

"The Do Something Reel Film Festival is giving us the chance to reach audiences all across America, and to ask them to consider the link between obesity and the challenges that low-income Americans face in their efforts to feed themselves and their families," said Yoav Potash.

"Food Stamped" was awarded the Feature Jury Prize at the San Francisco Independent Film Festival and Best Documentary at the Lighthouse Film Festival.

Do Something Reel, which kicked off on Earth Day 2012, is an ongoing collection of provocative films about food and environmental issues that can be purchased and streamed at various digital platforms. The festival was formed in partnership with FilmBuff and is presented in association with Applegate Organic & Natural Meat, Earthbound Farm Organic, Popcorn Indiana and siggi's.

CONTACT:
Emily Wright, Whole Foods Market, 512.542.3725, [email protected]

SOURCE Whole Foods Market