Reel and Meal at the New Deal

Reel and Meal is a monthly film series at the New Deal Cafe exploring vital environmental, animal rights, and social justice issues. Admission to the film is always free, sponsored by several Greenbelt community organizations. Contributions are gladly accepted to cover each month’s donation to a non-profit organization.

Reel and Meal events are in-person (limited seating) and online via Zoom. Each month registration links will be posted here.  You can also reach out to Reel and Meal at .

Date: Third Monday of every month
Time: The free film starts at 6pm or 6:30pm.
Dinner: See event for cafe dining details.
Location: Online or at the New Deal Cafe at 113 Centerway in historic Greenbelt, MD
Public transportation: The cafe is accessible by Metro Bus P20 from the Greenbelt Metro station.
Joining from Zoom and living locally: You can find take out plant-based options at the cafe as well as:

  • Greenbelt Co-Op: ( Tofu Bahn Mi sandwich (self service deli); Veggie spring roll; Greek Table Shepherd’s Pie; Channa Masal (refrigerated case); Dodah’s cakes for desert, among many others)
  • SunRise Caribbean Restaurant (menu)
  • Cedars of Lebanon (menu)

August 19, 2013

The Garden

Promotional photo

After the L.A. riots of 1992, Latin American immigrants created the miracle of a 14-acre community farm in blighted South Central Los Angeles, only to have a wealthy developer threaten to purchase and destroy it. As the farmers receive eviction notices and bulldozers prepare to level the garden to make room for warehouses, filmmaker Scott Hamilton Kennedy documents the lengthy court battle to save the people’s farm. We watch the farmers organize, fight back, and demand answers. But the powers-that-be always have the same response: “The garden is wonderful, but there is nothing more we can do.” If everyone told us nothing more could be done, would we give up?

Jim Cohen, Ph.D., Director of the Urban Studies & Planning Program at the University of Maryland, will facilitate the discussion following the film.

Prince George’s County Peace & Justice Coalition – one of three Greenbelt groups jointly directing the Reel & Meal program – is sponsoring this showing of The Garden. For more information, contact Donna Hoffmeister at and visit The Garden website.

Prior to The Garden, a video clip will show survivors victims of Sierra Leone’s 10-year “blood diamonds” war receiving donated clothing. Please bring clothing and shoes that you can spare to the August 19 Reel & Meal or, from August 20 to 25, place them just inside the front door of the cafe. PGPJC will send your items to the war victims. For more information, contact Abdul Turay at 240-640-0082 or Ed Fallon at .

Trailer