When I learned from the DC Urban Moms calendar that the documentary Lunch Line was going to be screened downtown at Busboys & Poets last Sunday night, I could hardly contain my excitement. School lunch is an issue I’ve been getting very interested in, especially with the passage of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act in December.
My son and husband had been sick, and I knew my son would be staying home from school again the next day. So I was ready to get out of the house for the 8 p.m. showing.
I arrived at 8:05 just after the film began and hoped the baby would stay asleep at home until the film and the discussion were over. But at 9:05, the phone vibrated next to my organic mint tea. I was sitting in the back and so was able to answer and hear the crying of the baby. I hung up and texted to clarify that my presence was required. The movie was just about to end when I dashed out to my car — thank goodness I hadn’t taken Metro — and I zipped home through the streets of DC as fast as I safely could, arriving home about 25 minutes later.
My poor husband, in the throes of a violent stomach bug, just couldn’t get the baby to quiet down when he could barely even stand to hold her. She was calmer by the time I got home, so I quickly put on my PJs, climbed into bed with her, and called it a night. I was so glad I got to get out and see this important piece of journalism, but it was challenging to feel how hard it made things for my husband and daughter, albeit for less than an hour. Such is the life of a wanna-be working/writing mama.
The film describes the history of the school lunch program and shows what is problematic about the way it’s currently run. My friend and colleague, Monica Corrado of Simply Being Well, has done a wonderful synopsis of the film with commentary on her blog. Check it out for the full scoop! I’ll be writing more as life returns to a shade closer to normal around here (I hope).
There’s a second screening of the film on Sunday, January 23 at 8:00 the U Street (14th & V St. NW) Busboys & Poets. I might just try going again! See the B&P events page for details.
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