Charlottesville
Albemarle County, Virginia
Via Local Food Hub Press Release
Last week on September 15th The Local Food Hub in Charlottesville announced the winners of the 2011 Community Food Awards at an event co-sponsored by the VA Department Of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the City Of Charlotesville, and Albemarle & Nelson Counties.
“A Celebration of Growth, Expansion & Success” marked the completion of Local Food Hub’s second year of operation & featured remarks by: singer-songwriter Terri Allard, Mayor of Charlottesville David Norris, Nelson County Economic Development Chairperson Emily Pelton, VDACS officer Robins Buck, and Local Food Hub Board Member Lisa Colton.
Six award winners were announced at the ceremony, including:
Agricultural Endurance Award: Whitney Critzer, Critzer Family Farm (Nelson)
Community Mentor Award: Richard Bean, Double H Farm (Nelson)
Partner Producer Of The Year: Jose & Adolfo Calixto, Singing Earth Produce
International Business Leader: UVA Health System
Small Business Award: Integral Yoga Natural Foods
Trailblazer Award: Alicia Cost & Sandra Vasquez, Nutrition Services Of Charlottesville
Local Food Hub aggregates markets and distributes locally grown food, freeing up time, labor and expenses for small family farms and providing access to fesh local food for more than 120 institutions and businesses like schools, restaurants, hospitals, and grocery stores.
Since 2009, Local Food Hub has purchased more than $750,000 worth of Virginia grown fruits, vegetables, eggs and meat from more than 70 area farms, putting hard earned money directly into the pockets of farmers and business owners. Studies show that when people spend money with a locally owned business, the community sees a multiplied economic benefit two to three times greater than when their dollars leave the local economy. Local Food Hub helps create and retain jobs in Central Virginia while promoting rural agriculture, healthy eating, and conversation.
To learn more about each of the winners click here for a complete biography.
The Local Food Hub is a non-profit organization working to strengthen the regional food supply by providing small farmers with concrete services that support their economic vitality and promote stewardship of the land. For more info call: 434.286.2176 or visit www.localfoodhub.org
