Food disparity, hunger and urban ag headline the issues for annual Fairbanks Symposium hosted by UIndy
The University of Indianapolis and Indiana Humanities invite everyone to attend the 2024 Richard M. Fairbanks Symposium on March 20 to learn more about how issues like food disparity, hunger, farming and food sourcing affect the people of Central Indiana. This year’s theme is “Seed to Sustenance: Farming, Food and Hunger in Indianapolis.”
This is the ninth edition of this annual event. It is free and open to the public. It is being held at the Schwitzer Student Center on the UIndy campus.
“It’s critical that Hoosiers continue to talk about food, its impact on us, and our impact on it,” said Keira Amstutz, President and CEO of Indiana Humanities. “From food insecurity to agricultural resources to education, there are so many lenses through which we can consider our role in this issue — not just in Central Indiana, but throughout the state.”
The Fairbanks Symposium consists of two panels, a keynote conversation as well as lunch featuring food which has been entirely sourced locally. The first panel will examine Indianapolis’ food pathways and how food is sourced. The second panel will explore the major initiatives and challenges when it comes to the city’s food education and urban agriculture efforts. The keynote conversation will feature Fred Glass, president and CEO of Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana, and Milele Kennedy, director of the Division of Community, Nutrition, and Food Policy for the city of Indianapolis.
“The Fairbanks Symposium is always one of the highlights of my year because it gives people from all walks of life the opportunity to see the big picture, to engage with each other, and to find solutions which can make a difference to Hoosiers,” said Dr. Ted Frantz, University of Indianapolis History department chair, who help organizes the event. “Whether you have a keen interest in food insecurity and hunger or are just a lifelong learner, this event is a tremendous opportunity and experience.”
The event includes a free buffet lunch that has been specially designed by UIndy Dining Executive Chef Taylor Hignite which, appropriately, features a menu that has been entirely sourced locally.
WHAT: Richard M. Fairbanks Symposium: Seed to Sustenance: Farming, Food and Hunger in Indianapolis
WHEN: Wednesday, March 20 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
WHERE: UIndy Hall at the Schwitzer Student Center
PARKING: Available outside Schwitzer Student Center located at 1400 Campus Drive (near the intersection of Hanna Ave.)
RSVP: Please register if you want to attend the Symposium.
To learn more information about the event and its panelists or to register for the event, visit the Symposium’s page.
The Richard M. Fairbanks Symposium on Environmental Justice is hosted by the University of Indianapolis’ Institute for Civic Leadership & Mayoral Archives, in partnership with Indiana Humanities. It is made possible through the generous support of the Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation.