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 16, 2010

This month’s film is internationally well-known alternative health expert Gary Null’s documentary Autism: Made in the USA. If you’re interested in the film but can’t make it to the cafe, the director has made it available on Youtube — see the website for all of the episodes.

Early in the documentary, families and family activists tell of their experiences with autism, then many speakers address possible causation by environmental toxins, as well as by the mandated increase in the number of toxin-containing vaccines administered to children. Other topics addressed related to autism are pollution, pregnancy, autism incidence, distorted research, our medical system, economics, journalism, public information strategies, and litigation. Also discussed is the 20-year, nearly $2 billion vaccine damage government payout to 2260 families.

While this full length documentary is well-made and persuasive, two of its conclusions — that vaccines may be primarily to blame, and that the methods of alternative practitioners have been helpful for over 80% of affected children — are controversial, with some saying that its central thesis is likely completely and dangerously wrong.

Bill Norwood, a Greenbelter since 1981, has made a thorough study of the film’s thesis and will be defending it as he leads the Q&A after the film. We invite you to participate in the discussion and challenge or support his and the film’s arguments.

Contact Steve Kane at for more information.