October is National Co-op Month and the Orcas Food Co-op is hosting a community showing of “Food For Change,” a new film that looks at the current resurgence of food cooperatives in America, and their unique historic place in America’s economic and political landscape.

The film is being screened free of charge and everyone is welcome to attend, though donations are welcome to help cover the screening fee and hall rental. It will be at the Oddfellows Hall on Sunday, Oct. 25 from 4 to 6 p.m. with a community fall harvest potluck to follow. Those planning to attend the potluck are encouraged to source as many local ingredients as possible. Bring your own dishware to reduce waste going into the landfill.

“Food For Change” tells the story of the co-op movement in the U.S. through a combination of interviews, rare archival footage, and commentary by co-op leaders and historians. No other film has examined the key role played by consumer-led food co-ops during the decades-long debate over profit-driven capitalism vs. locally controlled economic enterprises.

Filmmaker Steve Alves describes his documentary as “one part food, to two parts politics, to three parts economics.” Alves tracks the co-op movement’s quest for whole and organic foods, and the dream of sustainable food systems. The film profiles several current food co-ops that have revived neighborhoods.