The Center for Community Engagement presents a Front Porch Gathering discussion about food deserts and health resources in Austin and surrounding areas on Tuesday, Feb. 19, 6:30 p.m. at the Huston-Tillotson Student Union, located on 900 Chicon St.

About the event: Portions of Austin, largely communities of color, are categorized as “food deserts,” a term given to areas where a portion of the population has limited access to not just food services, but also fresh fruit, vegetables and other healthful items. Texas, as a whole, has the seventh highest food insecurity rate in the country.

In Central Texas, 25 percent of Austin households experience food insecurity and 24 percent of children live in food-insecure households in Travis County as of 2016. Join us for an interactive exploration of how we can work together to create sustainable interventions and equitable resources to build healthier communities.

All community members are invited to this important solutions-focused dialogue addressing food deserts in Austin neighborhoods. Speakers include:

• Erin Lentz,  LBJ School of Public Affairs
• Max Elliot, Urban Roots
• Dianna Purcell, Whole Cities

The Front Porch Gathering represents UT’s open door to the Austin community, providing time and space for community collaboration. The monthly gathering works to address issues of equity, disparity and access through active engagement and connects UT research and resources with community organizations and members.

The event is free and open to the public. A healthy dinner will be served. Free parking available in parking lot on Chalmers.