LITTLE ROCK, Ark, (Sept 16, 2011) – Heifer International will be a co-sponsor for the 2011 Healthy Food and Living Summit happening Sept 28-29 at Philander Smith College. According to the mayor's office, the summit will bring an examination of policies and programs that will lead to improved access to healthy, nutritious and affordable food for all citizens of Little Rock.
Heifer International's U.S. program director, Perry Jones, will be a presenter at the summit, discussing Heifer's model for sustainable and environmentally sound development, as well as how to bring nutritious food into urban communities like Little Rock.
"In the United States, a child is born into poverty every 27 seconds, and, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, one in every five children is food insecure," said Jones. "There also," he said, "is a direct connection between economic and physical health and our nation's food system. What's missing in many communities are the linkages between the different elements of a sustainable community food system value chain—farmers, businesses, jobs, sustainable farming practices, capacity and infrastructure."
Heifer International will also host a dinner entitled "100 Mile Meal" at Heifer Village, located in downtown Little Rock. The dinner is a meal produced entirely with 100 miles of the spot where it is consumed. The meal is a chance to not only to eat an entire dinner of fresh, locally-produced food, but also to be part of a stimulating evening of discovery about the impact of individual food choices and how communities in Arkansas are working to support local farmers and change the way we eat. Tickets are $30 and can be purchased by calling 501-907-COWS or going to www.heifer.org/organic.
Other topics discussed at the summit will include:
Attendance the summit is free and open to the public. For more information, visit the City of Little Rock website at www.littlerock.org and register for the event at http://www.littlerock.org/active-living-summit/registration.aspx.
About Heifer International
Heifer's mission is to end hunger and poverty while caring for the Earth. Since 1944, Heifer International has provided livestock and environmentally sound agricultural training to improve the lives of those who struggle daily for reliable sources of food and income. Heifer is currently working in 50 countries, including the United States, to help families and communities become more self-reliant.
