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Community Corner

Special Screening and Panel Discussion Set for April 6: Food Insecurity and Obesity and Our Community

Every day—online, on the news or in the paper—you hear another statistic or anecdote about SNAP benefits, food insecurity, or the rise of hunger for children, their families, and the elderly.   In fact, there is a good chance you are reading this on your phone at breakfast or on your work computer during lunch.  That you are not one of the over 46 million Americans who currently live in poverty; one of the 49 million Americans who right now are food insecure; or, are one of the nearly 60% of Americans who sought help from one of the three Federal food assistance programs last year.

 

Currently over 13% Connecticut’s population lives with food insecurity.  According to the United States Census, 17% of all children under 18 in Connecticut are living in poverty, a number that is steadily on the rise.  Children and families who live in moderate-to-low income households have less access to nutritious foods and resources.  Connecticut’s childhood obesity rates are above 15%.  According to the Department of Social Services, in Connecticut currently 25% of students K-12 participate in the school breakfast program and over 34% of students receive free or reduced lunch in schools.

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On Sunday, April 6, 2014 there will be a special screening of the documentary A Place at the Table and a post-screening panel discussion with experts and individuals form local organizations working daily on these issues raised in the film.  In particular, this event aims to raise awareness about hunger and its corresponding link to obesity and how this is a very real and pressing problem in our community.

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Individuals representing various organizations will be on hand for more information.  There will be a special exhibit by Amazing Grace Food Pantry.  Speakers on the panel will include: representatives from local government, food pantries, social service agencies, the medical community, SNAP, and local farmers markets

 

This event is free to the public; however, non-perishable food donations will be accepted at the door to benefit local food pantries.

 

Doors will open at 4:30 p.m. for a pre-reception.  Screening will begin promptly at 5:00 p.m. and the panel discussion to follow.  There will be a small post-reception. 

 

Location is the United Churches of Durham, 228 Main Street, Durham, CT.

 

If you have any questions about the event you can contact Courtney Antonioli at 203-525-4262 or Courtney.Antonioli@yahoo.com, or Elizabeth Cipollina at 860-685-0207 or aaronjess@aol.com.

 

For more information you can check out the trailer at: http://www.takepart.com/place-at-the-table

 

Made possible by the by the Durham Interchurch Fund and private donations.

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