The Eat to Live Food Cooperative will hosts a community-focused engagement festival from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 19, in the heart of the Sankofa Business District at 2323 S. Salina St.

Mary Nelson organized the first Back-to-School Barbecue 15 years ago as part of an effort to reduce violence in her neighborhood. Besides the school supplies, she treated children and their families to a full scale outdoor barbecue. In 2002, the first year the event was held, there were 850 youths and their parents in attendance. Every year thereafter, the event has grown in record numbers. In 2016, over 26,000 youths and their families attended. School supplies, backpacks and clothing will be given away to all youths who attend from grade levels Pre-K to College. Event will open with a youth parade.

Zoo to You is back for the 2017 summer reading program. The world of reading comes alive with this fun and educational program that will bring you face-to-face with exciting zoo animals. Get hands-on with the zoo’s one-of-a-kind animal artifacts, ask a professional zoo educator your animal questions, and learn how you can make a difference to wildlife. Made possible in part by a state grant secured by Senator John A. DeFrancisco.