The International Foodservice Editorial Council (IFEC) and The J.M. Smucker Company are pleased to announce REAP Food Group as the recipient of IFEC’s fourth annual Food For Good Award. The organization was recognized at the IFEC Annual Conference with a $1,000 donation. Since 1997, REAP Food Group has been working to build a strong local food system in Southern Wisconsin. REAP envisions a thriving local economy where all people have access to good food, grown well. (Pictured above, from left to right: Jennifer Mac Kay, IFEC Executive Director; Mary Humann, IFEC Food for Good committee member; Helen Sarkinos, REAP Executive Director; and Douglas Peckenpaugh, IFEC President, Group Editorial Director, BNP Media.)

“We feel honored to receive the 2019 Food for Good award,” said Helen Sarkinos, executive director at REAP. “This grant will enable us to continue to grow a healthful, just and sustainable local food system in our community making it healthier, stronger and happier.”

With a commitment to connect eaters, producers, buyers, community members and policy makers, REAP aims to nourish the links between land and table. In 2018, more than 1,300 students received hands-on lessons about local food and sustainability and 100 percent of Madison’s public elementary and middle schools have garden bars serving local produce.

“Evidence has shown that if you connect kids to healthy fresh food, they will love it,” added Sarkinos. “More than ever, our vision for a food system that strengthens communities, economies and the health of our planet is timely and necessary.”  

Sponsored by The J.M. Smucker Company’s Away From Home division, the Food for Good award is designed to shine light on nonprofit organizations whose work with food is making significant contributions to improving lives in the communities they serve. This year’s recipient was selected from the Madison, Wisconsin, area where the 2019 IFEC annual conference was held. The host city changes annually and local organizations will continue to be recognized in years to come.

“At Smucker, our branded, quality products and creative business solutions turn away from home food experiences into lasting memories,” said Tim Wayne, vice president and general manager, The J.M. Smucker Company. “We are proud to support REAP Food Group with the 2019 Food for Good Award so they can continue to improve the lives of students and families in the Madison area.”