Representatives of a dozen organizations dedicated to improving access to healthy food will be on hand from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, Oct. 24, at Ledbetter Hall C in the Donaghey Student Center to promote food security at UALR’s Food Day.

The event will be held in conjunction with the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance’s Annual Chili Cook-Off. Bring $2 and enjoy samples of chili created by student organizations.

“There will be information about healthy, local, sustainable food and representatives from local farms, markets, and food organizations to discuss what they for healthy living,” said Dr. Krista Lewis, assistant professor of anthropology.

Food Day is an effort to raise and promote awareness of healthy, local, and sustainable food available to the UALR community.

“A Food Day event is a great way to share information about local food initiatives in Little Rock as well as educate the UALR student body about challenges we face in Arkansas and throughout the nation,” Lewis said. “Our goal is to bring the Arkansas local food community face-to-face with students and build strong connections that will benefit future generations.

Representatives from local farms, markets and food organizations who will participate include:

• The Root Cafe
• 4square Cafe & Gifts
• Argenta Market
• Arkansas Sustainability Network
• Elevate Arkansas
• Dunbar Community Garden Project
• Pulaski Heights Elementary Garden/Bernice Garden
• Turtle Rock Farms
• Indian Bayou Milling Company
• Arkansas Food Bank Network
• Freckle Face Farm
• Maria’s Home Made Country Fare

“In conjunction with the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance’s Annual Chili Cook Off, we will include a variety of booths displaying literature, photos, menus, maps, nutritional and health information, samples, as well as other expressions of the ‘real food’ movement in Little Rock,” Lewis said.