CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) — Community leaders from across Champaign County will gather later this month to discuss strategies to combat food insecurity during the fourth annual Feeding Champaign County Food Summit.

Hosted by Healthy Champaign County, the summit will take place March 26 at the I Hotel and Illinois Conference Center in Champaign.

Organizers say more than 25,000 residents in Champaign County regularly experience food insecurity, meaning they do not have consistent access to enough nutritious food to maintain an active, healthy life. Nearly 20% of those affected are children.

The summit brings together representatives from government agencies, social service organizations, schools, faith communities, health care providers and food assistance programs such as food pantries and soup kitchens. Farmers, food producers and retailers are also expected to participate.

The goal of the event is to examine how organizations across the community can work together to improve access to affordable, nutritious food for county residents.

Workshops during the summit will focus on action steps and potential programs aimed at addressing food access in the region. A resource fair will also allow participating organizations to share information about their services and explore opportunities for collaboration.

This year’s keynote speaker will be Julie Pryde, former administrator of the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District. Pryde will reflect on her three decades of public health service and the broader impact of that work throughout Illinois.

Organizers say the issue of food security remains a persistent challenge locally and nationwide, and that programs addressing the issue face increasing political and funding pressures.

The summit is sponsored by Healthy Champaign County in partnership with several local organizations, including the cities of Champaign and Urbana, the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District, Common Ground Food Co-op, CU City Farms, Down at the Farm, DREAAM, Faith in Place, OSF Heart of Mary Medical Center, Sola Gratia Farms, the University of Illinois Extension, the University of Illinois Office of Public Engagement, The Land Connection and the United Way of Champaign County.

Additional information and registration details are available through Healthy Champaign County.