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 IFEC and The J.M. Smucker Company Announce REAP Food Group as the 2019 Food for Good Award Recipient 

IFEC’s Food for Good Award, sponsored by The J.M. Smucker Company’s Away From Home division recognizes community-based organizations changing lives through food.

Pleasant Valley, NY (November 12, 2019)—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.

“We feel honored to receive the 2019 Food for Good award,” said Helen Sarakinos, 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% 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 Sarakinos. “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.”

About REAP Food Group

Since its founding in 1997, REAP Food Group has been working throughout Southern Wisconsin to build and sustain a local food system that supports small family farms and locally owned businesses, promotes sustainable agricultural practices, and provides access to fresh, healthy food for the entire community.

About IFEC
IFEC is the membership association for editors, public relations and marketing communications professionals working within and with the foodservice business-to-business media. IFEC’s objective is to sponsor educational and other programs to heighten the overall quality of foodservice communications and encourage the entry of high-caliber individuals into the field.

About The J.M. Smucker Company

Inspired by more than 120 years of business success and five generations of family leadership, The J. M. Smucker Company makes food that people and pets love. The Company’s portfolio of 40+ brands, which are found in 90 percent of U.S. homes and countless away from home venues, includes iconic products consumers have always loved such as Folgers®, Jif® and Milk-Bone® plus new favorites like Café Bustelo®, Smucker’s® Uncrustables® and Rachael Ray™ Nutrish®. Over the past two decades, the Company has grown rapidly by thoughtfully acquiring leading and emerging brands, while ensuring the business has a positive impact on its 7,000+ employees, the communities it is a part of and the planet. For more information about The J. M. Smucker Company, visit jmsmucker.com or smuckerawayfromhome.com.

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