Youth Food Champion Awards

GFCLA will not be hosting awards in 2024 to allow time for planning, and hope to announce a reimagined way to support youth food system leadership.”-5

Each year, we celebrate the contributions of up to 5 individuals and/or groups from the greater Lewiston-Auburn area who strive to create a more vibrant and healthy food system from farm-to-fork. Those honored with awards ‘lead by example’ in one, or more, of the 5 principles of the Lewiston Auburn Community Food Charter.

Read on for info about 2023 YOUTH awards!

Pictured Above: Koos Mohamed accepts a Youth Food Charter Champion Award for ‘Leadership’ on August 3, 2021.

2023

the 3rd annual

P R E S E N T I N G S P O N S O R S

f e a t u r e d s p o n s o r

austin associates logo

In 2023, the Food Charter Champion Awards will exclusively honor, celebrate, and award prizes to up to 5 individual youth and/or youth groups (ages 11-25) in Androscoggin County for their actions that support a healthy local food system from farm-to-fork. The requested nomination deadline was December 8, 2023.

Please join us January 15, 2024 at 1:15pm at Bates College Pettingill Hall to celebrate the 2023 winners during Bates MLK Day – Click here for more Award event details!

Award Categories

What is the Prize Package?

**Up to 5 winners will each receive:**

- $100 Buoy Local Card that can be used in over 1200 local businesses across the Bangor Savings Bank footprint. FMI visit: buoylocal.com.
- $50 Gift Card to OTTO Pizza in Auburn
- 2 Movie Passes to Flagship Cinemas
- A Framed Award, presented during a brief awards presentation honoring all winners at a free, family friendly community event in early 2024, TBA

In addition, efforts of all winners will be highlighted on the Good Food Council website and social media, and through other relevant local media.

Additional Info:

Who Qualifies for the Award, and what is the deadline?

Youth or youth groups ages 11 to 25 as of Jan 1, 2023, and living in Androscoggin County (which includes Auburn, Durham, Greene, Leeds, Lewiston, Lisbon, Livermore, Livermore Falls, Mechanic Falls, Minot, Poland, Sabattus, Turner, and Wales) are encouraged to self-nominate or be nominated. The deadline to nominate is December 8, 2023. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for updates.

What is the Nomination and Selection Process?

Nominations are submitted by completing this nomination form by December 8, 2023. Anyone is welcome to submit a nomination, and youth are encouraged to nominate themselves!
The Good Food Council of Lewiston-Auburn will review the nominations, select and notify award winners in December 2023.

Tips for Nominating:

Nominations do not need to be lengthy, but keep in mind that the committee that selects the award winners only has the information included in the nomination form to make a decision about 5 winners, so it’s helpful to include the following in the nomination form:

Specific actions taken by the nominee(s), and about how they have made an impact, in relation to one (or more) of the Award Categories. Details are helpful!
Nominee’s special skills and how they have made a difference (special skill examples: ability to take initiative and inspire others, creative thinking, etc.)

Can I nominate again if I didn’t win?

Yes! As long as an individual or group has not already received an award, they are eligible to be nominated again (and this is encouraged!). Please refer to the “Tips for Nominating” above to submit a strong nomination! If you have any questions, contact Julia Harper at 207-464-4800 or goodfood4LA@gmail.com.

Can I save my work in the online nomination form and come back to finish it later?

No. You are unfortunately unable to save your work in the online form. We recommend that you compose and save your work using Word or a similar program. When you are ready to submit, cut and paste your answers into the online nomination form.

What if I have more questions or need support?

Please contact us in advance of the deadline with questions or for support. Contact Julia Harper at 207-464-4800 or goodfood4LA@gmail.com

Award Background:

The LA Community Food Charter was launched in 2016 as a way to highlight the community’s food values, build greater awareness and support for a more vibrant local food system, as well as provide a framework for discussion by community members and policy-makers. The LA Food Charter was the first of its kind in the State of Maine, and since its creation, two additional Maine communities have created their own: Western Foothills Community Food Charter and Knox County Food Charter.

The cities of Auburn and Lewiston have endorsed the LA Food Charter, as have over 300 individuals, businesses, and organizations. Individuals, businesses, organizations, and community groups are encouraged to sign the LA Food Charter online to demonstrate their support for, and commitment to improving our local food system from farm-to-fork.

Food Charter Awards are given annually to shine a light on the continued efforts of local individuals and entities to create a more vibrant local food system from farm-to-fork. In the past, Food Charter Awards have been awarded to entities (eg. organizations, businesses, municipalities, community groups, etc.).