Nominations for the second annual Golden Root awards are now being accepted for outstanding schools and organizations participating in Iowa Farm to School and Early Care initiatives. All nominations must be received by April 10.
Sponsored by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Iowa Farm to School and Early Care Coalition and Iowa Department of Education, the Golden Root award is a celebration of Iowa schools, early care and education providers and residential child care institutions that are working to grow and share the importance of local food and community. Any organization currently operating a USDA Child Nutrition Program is eligible to apply.
Winners will be announced for exemplary programs in K-12 schools, in-home early child care and education and center-based early child care and education. Each Golden Root awardee will receive free registration and lodging for the upcoming Farm to School and Early Care Conference in Iowa City this June. During the conference’s annual dinner and award ceremony, each winning organization will be honored for their achievements.
Additionally, Golden Root award winners will receive complimentary tickets to the 5-2-1-0 Healthy Choices Count! Summit to be held later this year. Awardees will also be recognized during the 2024 Iowa State Fair.
Past awardees include Alburnett Community School District, Waukee Community School District’s Schuler Elementary, North Side Kids Daycare and Tri-County Head Start.
For more information on the Golden Root award, visit the Iowa Farm to School and Early Care Coalition website.