Art at the Y presents “Growing Community,” a collection of photographs that document the work of several local community efforts to grow healthy food close to home and to make it accessible to everyone.
The opening reception of “Growing Community” is from 5-7 p.m. April 28 at the University YMCA, 1001 S. Wright St., Champaign. Viewing will begin at 5 p.m., followed by a gallery talk at 5:30 p.m. Light refreshments will be provided.
Nearly 50 million Americans don’t know where their next meal is coming from. According to Feeding America’s Map the Meal Gap project, Champaign County suffers from a 16.7 percent food insecurity rate, higher than the 15.3 percent food insecurity rate of Cook County.
One of the problems contributing to both hunger and obesity in communities is poor access to healthy, affordable foods. Addressing local hunger and lack of access to fresh produce is one of the major problems that Sola Gratia Farm, Prosperity Gardens and Randolph Street Community Garden are aiming to solve. This local food movement creates new bridges and partnerships between people of shared values and community commitment. As individuals and groups work together, they reveal a new and deeper community of shared hopes, values and commitment to neighbors.
“Growing Community” will be on view in the Y’s Murphy Gallery through August. Currently the gallery is open from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Fridays. During the summer, the gallery will be open Mondays through Fridays from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Art at the Y is a cause-driven, public arts initiative of the University YMCA. All events are free and open to the public. Go online for more information.
