Parents' Guide to

The Kids Menu

By Renee Longstreet, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 10+

Engaging, smart docu includes kids in food decision-making.

Movie NR 2016 88 minutes
The Kids Menu Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

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What's the Story?

Producer-host Joe Cross takes an adventurous trip through the U.S. in THE KIDS MENU, looking at a profusion of active programs that work with kids and communities to upgrade their nutrition savvy. From Kate Corcoran, a teacher in one North Haven, Connecticut, fifth-grade classroom, to Encinitas, California, where the entire school district curriculum emphasizes health, wellness, nutrition, and all points in between, Cross interviews kids about what they're learning and watches as the miracle of hands-on participation combines with the digestion (pun intended) of information that will markedly affect their present and future health and wellness. Among the innovative ventures profiled are: a rooftop garden created by a White House chef, a community food program staffed by neighborhood kids, a kid-initiated boycott of their school's cafeteria lunch offerings, a cartoon-vegetable social media platform, and a hospital that issues prescription forms for vegetables and fruits, which are filled by local vendors. All are created and run by highly motivated, optimistic agents of change who believe passionately in what they're doing.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

This film is a welcome relief from doomsayers who cry "childhood obesity" and have no fixes. It's informative and confident that change is possible, and it offers positive, viable solutions. It's heartening to see the progress that has been made in raising awareness about dietary choices, health, and wellness. One of the mantras of The Kids Menu is, "If we don't make time for health, we'll have to make time for sickness," and watching a wide variety of kids who actually "get" that notion and care is promising. Kudos to Joe Cross for highlighting these programs, the staffers, and the kids. There's too much information and talk here for most younger kids, but middle grades and up should learn more than a little something and actually be entertained in the process.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can discuss the information in The Kids Menu that is relevant to your family. What did this film teach you about processed foods? Check out what is currently in your kitchen. Is there any room for improvement?

  • Are you willing to follow the film's message, "Take a risk. Try it. You might like it"? Experiment with this idea: Pick one or two nutritious food choices you haven't been willing to try. Then see what happens!

  • Take a look at the sugar content on the labels of some of the items on your shelves. Are you surprised by the "wow" fact that one teaspoon equals four grams of sugar? Though fresh fruit is very sweet, learn about the differences between natural fruit sugar and the sugars added to processed foods. Notice how you feel after you've consumed a lot of sugar.

  • Plan your school or camp lunches for one week. What items that you usually include could you swap out for something more nutritious?

  • How does The Kids Menu promote curiosity, perseverance, and teamwork? Why are these important character strengths?

Movie Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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