Where to Stream Food and Country (2023): A Documentary on America's Food System

Food and Country is a 2023 documentary directed by Laura Gabbert, with trailblazing food writer and best-selling memoirist Ruth Reichl guiding viewers through the realities of the broken American food system. Premiering at the Sundance Film Festival on January 23, 2023, the film explores how the COVID-19 pandemic upended the lives of small farmers, ranchers, and independent restaurant owners, exposing the systemic flaws that have long plagued the nation’s food production and distribution networks.

How the Pandemic Exposed the Fault Lines

The COVID pandemic exacerbated the issues within America’s food system. With supply chains disrupted and grocery store shelves left empty, many Americans were forced to rethink how and where they obtained their food. Small farmers who typically supplied restaurants were left with nowhere to sell their products, and independent restaurants had to pivot or shut down entirely.

Food and Country documents this seismic shift in real-time. We witness farmers attempting to adapt to new realities while facing increased financial pressure. Reichl’s conversations with chefs reveal the difficult balance between staying afloat and treating their workers fairly during one of the most uncertain times in modern history. The pandemic served as a catalyst for these deeper issues to surface, pushing many to the brink of collapse.

A Broken System and Potential Solutions

At the heart of Food and Country is a critique of the current food production system, which Reichl argues doesn’t work for the majority of people. Large agribusinesses control much of the food supply, leaving small farmers and ranchers to fight for survival. Reichl explores how government policies, subsidies, and corporate consolidation have created a system that prioritizes profit over people and the environment.

The documentary offers potential solutions to these problems. It highlights the importance of local, sustainable farming and the role that independent restaurants play in supporting their communities. The film underscores the need for systemic change to ensure that America’s food supply isn’t solely controlled by a handful of powerful conglomerates.

Ruth Reichl: A Trusted Guide

Reichl is an engaging and empathetic host, guiding viewers through the complexities of the American food system with warmth and curiosity. As a former New York Times restaurant critic and editor-in-chief of Gourmet magazine, she brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep love for food to the documentary. But more than that, Reichl’s personal reflections make the film feel intimate and relatable. She shares stories from her own life as a food writer and cook, making it clear that food is not just about sustenance—it’s about identity, community, and culture.

Her conversations with farmers and chefs reveal the humanity behind the headlines, showing how the pandemic has affected people from all walks of life. The film is not just about the food we eat but about the people who make it possible.

Reception and Release

Food and Country premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on January 23, 2023, and was met with praise for its thoughtful exploration of the food industry. It was later shown at several international film festivals, including the Thessaloniki Documentary Festival, South by Southwest, and the Seattle International Film Festival. The documentary was officially released in the United States on October 2, 2024, after Greenwich Entertainment acquired the distribution rights.

Critically, the film has received a mixed but generally favorable reception. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a 67% rating, with an average score of 6.5/10. Critics have praised Reichl’s storytelling and the film’s ability to make a complex subject accessible, though some feel the documentary attempts to cover too many issues in its runtime.

Food and Country is a must-watch for anyone interested in food systems, sustainability, or simply in understanding the real-world impact of the COVID pandemic on American livelihoods. Reichl’s journey through America’s heartland offers a sobering look at the struggles faced by farmers, ranchers, and restaurateurs. More importantly, it provides hope that with the right changes, the food system can become more equitable and resilient.

In a world where mass production often overshadows the importance of local, sustainable food practices, Food and Country serves as a timely reminder of the need to protect and support the small farmers and independent restaurants that are the backbone of America’s food culture.

What is Food and Country about?
Food and Country is a 2023 documentary that examines the challenges faced by small American farmers, ranchers, and independent restaurants during the COVID-19 pandemic. The film explores the broken food system in the U.S. and potential solutions for more sustainable practices.

Who directed Food and Country?
The documentary was directed by Laura Gabbert, a filmmaker known for her work on food and culture, including the documentaries City of Gold and Ottolenghi and the Cakes of Versailles.

Who is Ruth Reichl in Food and Country?
Ruth Reichl is a prominent food writer and former New York Times restaurant critic who serves as the central figure in the film. She investigates how America’s food system struggles and suggests ways to support small farmers and chefs.

What inspired the making of Food and Country?
The COVID-19 pandemic was a major inspiration for the film, as it disrupted food supply chains and affected how Americans sourced their food. The crisis highlighted existing flaws in the system, which motivated the filmmakers to explore solutions for food sustainability and equity.

When was Food and Country released?
Food and Country premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on January 23, 2023, and had its U.S. theatrical release on October 2, 2024.

What makes Food and Country different from other food documentaries?
Unlike many food documentaries that focus on cuisine or restaurants, Food and Country delves into the broader social, economic, and political aspects of the American food system, with a special focus on how the pandemic exacerbated existing challenges for small farmers and independent food businesses.

Who are some of the farmers and chefs featured in the film?
The film features a diverse group of individuals, including ranchers in Kansas and Georgia, farmers from Nebraska and Ohio, and chefs from big cities, all of whom are fighting to survive in a system dominated by large food corporations.

What is Laura Gabbert known for as a filmmaker?
Laura Gabbert is known for her documentaries that focus on food, culture, and community. Her previous works include City of Gold (about food critic Jonathan Gold) and Ottolenghi and the Cakes of Versailles.

What message does Food and Country convey about the food industry?
The film argues that America’s current food system is broken, with small farmers and chefs struggling to survive while large corporations dominate the market. It advocates for more sustainable, local food systems and emphasizes the importance of supporting independent producers.

What is Ruth Reichl's role in the film beyond being the narrator?
Beyond narrating the film, Reichl is actively involved in the investigation of America’s food system, meeting with farmers, chefs, and experts. Her personal reflections and background in food journalism shape the film’s perspective.

How did the COVID-19 pandemic impact the food industry, as shown in the film?
The pandemic disrupted supply chains, making it difficult for farmers to sell their products and for restaurants to source ingredients. It also led to the closure of many independent restaurants and highlighted the vulnerabilities in America’s centralized food production systems.

What solutions does Food and Country propose for fixing the food system?
The film suggests moving away from the mass production of food controlled by large corporations, emphasizing the benefits of local farming, sustainable agriculture, and supporting independent restaurants and food producers.

What festivals did Food and Country screen at?
The documentary premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and later screened at the Thessaloniki Documentary Festival, South by Southwest, Cleveland Film Festival, Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival, and Hot Docs International Film Festival, among others.

How was Food and Country received by critics?
On Rotten Tomatoes, Food and Country holds a 67% approval rating from critics, with an average rating of 6.5/10. Critics have praised its timely exploration of America’s food systems, but some have noted that it attempts to cover a lot of ground.

Where can I watch Food and Country?
Food and Country is available to stream on various platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, starting in October 2024, following its theatrical release.