Caption: Caption: Koos Mohamed (left) accepts a 2021 ‘Youth Food Charter Champion Award’ for ‘Leadership’ presented by Good Food Council of Lewiston-Auburn member, Shelley Kruszewski (right) and Christine Bosse of Bangor Savings Bank (middle) during the 1st annual youth awards on August 3, 2021. Nominations for 2022 youth winners are being accepted online until June 20, 2022 at goodfood4la.org/awards. ANDROSCOGGIN COUNTY – This summer, the Good Food Council of Lewiston-Auburn (GFCLA) will celebrate the organization’s 10th anniversary and host the 2nd annual ‘Youth Food Charter Champion Awards.’ Five outstanding youth (individuals and/or groups) will be recognized for taking initiative to grow a healthy local food system from farm-to-fork. Those eligible to win include individuals and groups ages 11-25 living in Androscoggin County (which includes Auburn, Durham, Greene, Leeds, Lewiston, Lisbon, Livermore, Livermore Falls, Mechanic Falls, Minot, Poland, Sabattus, Turner, and Wales). The public is invited to submit nominations to support the identification of winners online at goodfood4LA.org/awards.
Individuals and groups with a demonstrated passion for ‘local food issues’ such as ending hunger, gardening, composting, food policy, and/or more, are encouraged to nominate themselves, or be nominated. Information about Award Categories, as well as profiles of the 2021 youth winners, are also found on the GFCLA website.
In addition to a framed award, five winners will each receive a $100 Buoy Local Card, a $50 Gift Card to boba, 2 Movie Passes to Flagship Cinemas, and their efforts highlighted on the GFCLA website and through local media. 2022 Awards are planned to be presented at an outdoor event this summer, TBA. The presenting sponsors of the 2022 awards are Bangor Savings Bank, Rinck Advertising, and St. Mary’s Nutrition Center.
‘Food Charter Champion Awards’ are given annually by the GFCLA to highlight efforts to create a more vibrant and sustainable local food system from farm-to-fork. Those honored with awards ‘lead by example’ in one, or more, of the five principles of the LA Community Food Charter. In the past, Awards have been given to entities; this is the second year that all awardees will be youth.
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 and Knox County. The cities of Auburn and Lewiston have endorsed the LA Food Charter, as have over 300 individuals, businesses, and organizations. Those interested to demonstrate their own support for, and commitment to improving our local food system from farm-to-fork are encouraged to sign the LA Food Charter on the GFCLA website.
The deadline to receive nominations for 2022 Youth Awards is 11:59PM on June 20, 2022. More information about the awards can be found at goodfood4la.org/awards. For questions call 207-464-4800 or email goodfood4LA@gmail.com.
ABOUT:
The Good Food Council of Lewiston-Auburn (GFCLA) was formed in the summer of 2012 to serve as a catalyst to create a more sustainable and equitable local food system from farm-to-fork, bringing together community members, food producers, partner organizations, public/private entities, and policy makers. The GFCLA is a member of the Maine Network of Community Food Councils.