Wheeling, W.Va. - Catholic Charities West Virginia and Appalachian Institute at Wheeling Jesuit University (WJU) are hosting a film screening and community dialogue session with featured guest, West Virginia Senate Majority Leader John Unger. A Place at the Table Film Screening will take place at 6 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 26.

The screening and discussion will take place in the auditorium of the National Technology Transfer Center on the WJU campus.

A Place at the Table is a documentary that investigates incidents of hunger experienced by millions of Americans and proposed solutions to the problem. Directors Kristi Jacobson and Lori Silverbush examine the issue of hunger through the lens of three people who are struggling with food insecurity. Along with the film screening, a brief panel discussion and action steps will highlight local programs that the community can become involved in.

Catholic Charities West Virginia provides statewide services and programs that strive to reduce poverty and hunger. These vital services create hope for a better tomorrow. Catholic Charities WV puts emphasis on community collaboration and works in conjunction with local churches, community organizations and local government agencies, to meet these critical needs. Catholic Charities WV Northern Regional Director Erin McDonald stated, “This partnership between the Appalachian Institute, Catholic Charities WV and Sen. Unger's office is critical in the process of bringing people together to address the issues of hunger and malnutrition in West Virginia. It is our responsibility, as a community, to respond to this problem. It is our hope that on September 26 we can raise awareness among community members and motivate people to establish clear action steps to be carried out in the coming months.”

Appalachian Institute's mission is to work toward the goal of safer, healthier, and stronger communities in the central Appalachian region and beyond by initiating and partnering on initiatives that address contemporary challenges and issues. Director of the Appalachian Institute, Elizabeth Collins said, “The Appalachian Institute at Wheeling Jesuit University is committed to educating community members on crucial needs in the region and the issue of food security is a major problem nationally and locally. The issues of quality food, the importance of foods that are high in nutritional value, not just empty calories are critical in a region that has a long history of poverty related health and weight problems. The Appalachian Institute hopes that viewing this documentary and the community dialogue following, will encourage others to join the local healthy foods movement to help enrich the lives and health of those in our local communities.”

For more information about the screening and discussion, please contact Erin McDonald at (304) 748-4409 or emcdonald@ccwva.org or Beth Collins at ecollins@wju.edu.