UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — It's estimated that 22,000 residents in Centre County do not know where their next meal is coming from. In the United States, 50 million people — one in four children — are also food insecure. Hunger is a complex problem, but one that could be solved once and for all.
The Community Food Security Club and the Student Farm Club at Penn State will host a free screening and panel discussion of the documentary "A Place at the Table" from 6:30 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 12, in 102 Thomas Building.
"A Place at the Table" shows how hunger poses serious economic, social and cultural implications for our nation, and that it could be solved, if the American public decides — as they have in the past — that making healthy food available and affordable is in the best interest of us all.
“This event seeks to facilitate a dialogue among the Penn State community about issues of hunger and poverty within our own community, as well as within broader national and global contexts,” said Emily Pia, president of the Community Food Security Club.
A panel discussion will follow the free screening. Panelists will include:
- Willian Easterling, dean of the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences
- Leif Jensen, distinguished professor of rural sociology and demography
- Jessie Pierce from the local Friends & Farmers Cooperative, the recipient of a Centre Inspires grant for her work with New Leaf Initiative on its "Food Centres” project
- Jake Ruddy from the Lion’s Pantry, an on-campus food bank for Penn State students in need
“While the documentary is focused on the differences in the lived experiences of poverty and hunger between urban and rural Americans, the panel will expand the focus by incorporating a discussion on both the global state of food insecurity as well as what’s going on in our community and on our campus,” said Pia.
Attendees are invited to bring a canned good or $1 for a Thanksgiving food drive. All proceeds will benefit the Philipsburg Food Bank.
“The Philipsburg Food Bank serves a large food-insecure population, yet they have far fewer resources and staff than some of the other local food banks in our area,” said Pia.
For more information, contact Pia at ewp5097@psu.edu.