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)

April 21, 2025

USAID, USIP, USCIS

Time change! Tonight’s program starts at 6pm instead of our usual 7pm.

Three government agencies are among the many that have either been crippled or shuttered recently are the focus of this Month’s Reel and Meal.

The United States Agency for International Development was created in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy. For many years USAID did so much humanitarian good around the world. We will see short films and a former employee will share personal experiences about the excellent work this organization did before being crippled by Trump’s attacks on good government.

The United States Institute for Peace, USIP, was created by Congress and signed into law by President Ronald Reagan in 1984. It also did much good work worldwide before being raided and shuttered by Musk last month.Short films and discussion will familiarize us with this important, non-partisan agency.

Our third subject is the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, USCIS. This is the organization tonight’s sponsor, the Greenbelt Refugee Aid Committee, GRACE, worked through to bring our Ukrainian refugees to Greenbelt. This organization was created in 2003. Federal oversight of immigration started in 1891 with an act of Congress. It was originally administered by the Treasury Department. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, ICE, was also created in 2003. We will look at this dual purpose organization as well.

Register to watch on Zoom at https://tinyurl.com/RnMApr25.

For more information, contact Frank Gervasi at 301 467-2418.