Library EventFood Insecurity in Johnson County. An Obermann Conversation

As of five years ago, about 14% of Johnson County residents were considered food insecure, meaning that they had limited or uncertain access to certain and nutritious food. After nearly a year of COVID-19 affecting employment and housing, those numbers are much greater.

In this conversation, Obermann Center Director Teresa Mangum will talk with campus and local experts about how food insecurity is experienced by UI students, children, and families in our local schools and others who are grappling with this urgent issue. Panelists will share the myriad and sometimes unforeseen impacts of food insecurity on individuals, including impacts on mental health and cognitive development. Finally, we’ll discuss ways that we can all contribute to the well-being of our community.

Panelist guests this month include: Patrick Brady, PhD Candidate, Community & Behavioral Health from the UI College of Public Health; Katharine Broton, Assistant Professor, Educational Policy & Leadership from the UI College of Education; Joan VandenBerg, Youth and Family Development Coordinator from the Iowa City Community School District; Sarah Witry, Visiting Assistant Professor from the UI School of Social Work.

Register to receive invite information at : https://bit.ly/2LlK8ZW or stream live via The Library Channel at : https://www.youtube.com/user/thelibrarychannel

This program is cosponsored by the Iowa City Public Library and the Obermann Center for Advanced Studies.

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa-sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this program, please contact Erin Hackathorn in advance at erin-hackathorn@uiowa.edu or (319) 335-4034.