LAKEWOOD — On Wednesday, March 16 in the Rotunda Room on the University of Puget Sound campus, Emergency Food Network will recognize their important partners Pierce County’s effort to fight food insecurity.
EFN will honor this year’s recipients of the Silver Spoon Award, The David P. Ottey Lifetime Achievement Award, and announce those companies and organization that met the criteria in 2010 to be a Corporate or Civic Partner.
Mike Hargreaves, owner of Stadium Thriftway, will receive the David P. Ottey award for his service to EFN. Mr. Hargreaves is a longtime member of the Board of Directors and Stadium Thriftway has been source of support for the organization. He steps down from the Board this spring after six years of service. The award is named for EFN’s long-serving former Executive Director. Mr. Ottey will present the award to Mr. Hargreaves in person at the event.
EFN’s Silver Spoon Award recognizes individuals and organizations that have a substantial impact on ending food insecurity in our region. By helping with EFN with its mission “to provide a reliable food supply so that no person in Pierce County goes hungry,” recipients of this award model a commitment to giving their time and resources to meet a critical need. This years’ winners and their categories are:
- Mother Earth Farm, EFN’s 8-acre organic farm in Orting: REI
- Partner Feeding Program: Lakes FISH
- Volunteer Service: Exchange Club of Tacoma
- Foundation Partner: The Thompson Foundation
- Substantial Collection Effort: Cindy Salazar and Lakewood Police Department
- Food System Support: LeMay Pierce County, Refuse DM Disposal, Division of Waste Connections
In addition to these award recipients, EFN will also announce companies and organizations that qualified as Corporate or Civic Partners in 2010. Corporate/Civic Partners have a special tie to EFN. They engage in efforts to fight hunger and receive distinction for their work each year for their efforts. 2010 Corporate and Civic Partners include:
Bank of America, Financial Insights, Inc., Franciscan Health System, Gordon, Thomas, Honeywell, Moss Adams, MultiCare Health System, Murray Pacific Corporation, Stadium Thriftway, Tacoma-Pierce County Association of Realtors, LeMay Inc. of Pierce County, Waste Management Systems, Pacific Lutheran University, Roman Meal Company, University of Puget Sound, Tucci and Sons Inc., Boeing, Rotary International District 5020.
These partners will be recognized on Wednesday for meeting three of the following seven criteria in 2010:
- Contribute $1000 or more to EFN.
- Host a food or donation drive in the workplace.
- Featuring EFN or placing a link to www.efoodnet.org on your company website/
- Having an employee serve on EFN’s board or on a committee.
- Purchasing a table at the Amazing Abundance Auction.
- Bringing groups to volunteer with our Repack Project or Mother Earth Farm during the year.
- Assist EFN in some other meaningful way.
Each month in Pierce County an average of 147,000 children, seniors and adults seek help at local food banks and hot meal sites. In 2010 EFN distributed 14.1 million pounds of food worth $18.5 million at no cost through its warehouse operation. EFN is able to leverage their buying and donated food to distribute $12 worth of food for every $1 donated.
To learn more about EFN or to obtain a food drive information packet, visit www.efoodnet.org or call (253) 584-1040.