Hartford Community Food Security Awards

The City of Hartford Advisory Commission on Food Policy is observing twenty years of service to the community this year and used last evening's annual Community Food Security Awards to honor one of the founders of the Commission, Mark Winne.

Mark was not only a founder of the City Food Policy Commission, but also has had a significant influence statewide and across the nation.  He was integral in starting the State of Connecticut Food Policy Council, a similar body working on food issues at the state level.  He also was a founding member of End Hunger CT!, the Working Lands Alliance, and the Connecticut Farmland Trust.  At the national level, he helped found the Community Food Security Coalition.  Mark has also written two great books on food issues – "Closing the Food Gap" and "Food Rebels, Guerilla Gardeners, and Smart-Cookin' Mamas."

Last, but not least, in my mind, anyway,  Mark was the founding Chair of the Board of Directors at Foodshare and the guy that hired me back in 1984!

Mark provided us with an inspiring speech, both highlighting some of the history of the Food Policy Commission and suggesting where we might go.  The Commission honored him with a Lifetime Achievement Award, but in presenting it to him, I did tell him that it does not mean he can stop his good work, rather the award is both for work he has already done and that which he will do in the future.

The Food Policy Commissin also honored Elsa Smith Pleasant, Cooking Matters, and Romny Mini Market.

Congratulations to all!