AUBURN – Healthy Androscoggin and the Auburn- Lewiston YMCA will host free movie showings of “Super Size Me” in honor of National Nutrition Month at 6:30 p.m. Friday, March 18, or noon Saturday, March 19, at the YMCA, 62 Turner St.

The movie will give a deeper look into how “you are what you eat!” A healthy meal and snacks will be provided. Space is limited. To reserve a seat, call the YMCA at 795-4095. Tickets must be picked up prior to March 18. All reserved ticket holders are eligible for door prizes. Children under the age of 13 must attend with a parent or guardian.

“Super Size Me” is a critically acclaimed documentary listed on more than 35 top 10 critic’s lists, and was Academy Award nominee for best documentary. It is the story of Morgan Spurlock’s (producer/director/guinea pig) journey into the world of weight gain and health problems when he eats nothing but fast food for an entire month.

It’s an examination of the American way of life and the influence that food has had on children, the nation and the world. The film also takes a critical look at school lunch programs, physical education, food addiction, weight gain and extreme dieting.

“Our purpose is not to scare people away from the occasional fast food meal. Our hope is that we can create awareness of the negative impact habitual dining out has on our health. This film is not only entertaining, but real life testimony,” said Jessica Begley of Healthy Androscoggin.

“Fast food is not the only problem here. In a society where almost half of all meals are eaten away from the home, we all need to take a closer look at the food choices we make everywhere,” she said.

“This movie is a real eye- opener to the effects of eating fast food on a regular basis,” said Doug McFarland, YMCA health and fitness director. “The statistics of obesity and related disease in the movie are startling. Super Size Me’ also addresses the lack of physical activity among all age groups, particularly youth and teens.

We hope that all teens, their parents and their siblings take advantage of this free opportunity.”

The event will also include demonstrations from local organizations and healthy food donated by local businesses. University of Maine Cooperative Extension will have demonstrations of portion sizes of common foods.

Viewers will have the chance to feel the weight of five pounds of fat in their hands at the Western Maine Community Action’s WIC booth. Also available will be the “Healthier Fast Food Pocket Guide,” “Fitness Opportunities in Androscoggin County Resource Guide” and other free resources. All attendees will be entered into a raffle prize drawing.

For more information on the movie or the Auburn-Lewiston YMCA and its activities, call 795-4095, stop by 62 Turner St. in Auburn or visit the Web at www.alymca.com.

Healthy Androscoggin is a community coalition funded in part by the Healthy Maine Partnership, Bureau of Health. For more information, call 795-5990 or visit www.healthyandroscoggin.org.