'A Place at the Table' event is June 23

The Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center will host a "Place at the Table" event that includes information on healthy foods along with a movie screening and discussion starting at noon June 23.

"A Place at the Table," showing June 21-27 at the Ross, examines the issue of hunger in America through the lens of three people — Barbie, a single Philadelphia mother who grew up in poverty and is trying to provide a better life for her two kids; Rosie, a Colorado fifth-grader who often has to depend on friends and neighbors to feed her; and Tremonica, a Mississippi second-grader whose asthma and health issues are exacerbated by the largely empty calories her hardworking mother can afford.

Directed by Kristi Jacobson and Lori Silverbush, the film shows how hunger poses serious economic, social and cultural implications for the nation. It also shows how the issue could be solved if the American public decides that making healthy food available and affordable is in the best interest of all.

The film is rated PG for thematic elements and brief, mild language.

The "Place at the Table" event opens at noon with a pre-screening event featuring healthy food information and displays provided by local organizations. A screening of the film (at regular Ross ticket prices) follows at 1:30 p.m., with a free movie talk at 3 p.m.

The movie talk panel includes Scott Young, moderator and executive director of the Lincoln Food Bank; Mariana Muñoz de Schell, agency relations director, Food Bank of Lincoln; Susanne Blue, executive director, Matt Talbot Kitchen and Outreach; Beatty Brasch, executive director, Center for People in Need; and Becky Gould, executive director, Nebraska Appleseed.

Both the pre-screening event and movie talk are free and open to the public.

Individuals who bring a non-perishable item to the Ross and see a movie from June 21-27 will receive a free small popcorn. All food items will be donated to the Food Bank of Lincoln, which is cosponsoring the showing of "A Place at the Table" at the Ross.

For more information, including show times, go to http://www.theross.org or call 402-472-5353.

More details at: http://www.theross.org