Emergency Food Network, the hub of Pierce County’s emergency food system, will present local individuals, businesses, and civic groups with awards at their April 16 Recognition Breakfast. Award recipients made significant contributions to EFN’s efforts to fight food insecurity in 2013.

Nominees will receive the Silver Spoon Award, The David P. Ottey Lifetime Achievement Award, The Corporate/Civic Partner of the Year Award, and EFN will award plaques to companies and organizations that met the criteria to be a Corporate or Civic Partner.

David P. Ottey Lifetime Achievement Award

Associated Ministries is the center for interfaith efforts in Pierce County to engage congregations in advocacy, education, and service. EFN was founded in 1982 with support from The Greater Tacoma Community Foundation, FISH Food Banks, and the Salvation Army, and The Rescue Mission, as a temporary warehouse solution for emergency food needs at the time. In 1985, our community determined that with the continued growth in demand for emergency food, Associated Ministries would take over EFN as a program and hire a new Executive Director, David Ottey. In 1991, EFN became and independent nonprofit organization, but Associated Ministries continues to lend support for EFN by raising more than $125,000 every year through the Pierce County Hunger Walk. The award is named for EFN’s long-serving former Executive Director. Mr. Ottey will present the award to Associated Ministries in-person at the event.

The Silver Spoon Award

EFN’s Silver Spoon Award recognizes individuals and organizations that have a substantial impact on ending food insecurity in our region. By helping 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 year’s winners and their categories are:

Mother Earth Farm, EFN’s 8-acre organic farm in Orting
Tacoma Public Utilities employees volunteer consistently in our warehouse and at our farm, which provides fresh, organically grown produce for local food banks..

Partner Food Program
Trinity Lutheran Food Bank, a new partner in EFN’s network, increased food donations in their community from their food bank and community garden.

Volunteer Service
The Rogers High School Key Club volunteers regularly with EFN’s Repack Project for the past two years, repackaging bulk food items into smaller portions for clients. The Key Club also provides volunteer support for events, such as our Abundance Auction.

Foundation Partner
The Franciscan Foundation, for valuable committee, financial, Board and event support from Franciscan Health System employees and Foundation members.

Substantial Collection Effort
Pierce County Library System, for their annual Pierce County Reads Food Drive, which consistently collects thousands of pounds of food at multiple locations for the emergency food system.

Food System Support
The Transportation Club of Tacoma, for their annual fundraising luncheon for EFN, and to its members for logistics and transportation support throughout the emergency food system.

Corporate Partner of the Year
LaborWorks, for outstanding leadership, consistent logistical assistance at EFN events, and for strong financial support.

In addition to these award recipients, EFN also will give plaques to companies and organizations that qualified as Corporate or Civic Partners in 2013. 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. 2014 Corporate and Civic Partners include:

Bank of America, Boeing, Chuckals, City of Lakewood, DaVita, Financial Insights, Franciscan Health System, Gig Harbor Sportsman’s Club, JBLM, KeyBank, LaborWorks, MultiCare, Murray Pacific, PLU, Pierce College, Pierce County, Rotary District 5020, Schnitzer, Simpson, Snuffins Catering, TPCAR, Teamsters 117, TOTE, Transportation Club, Waste Connections.

These partners are being recognized on for meeting three of the following seven criteria in 2013:

• Contribute $1000 or more to EFN.
• Host a food or fund drive
• Featuring EFN or placing a link to www.efoodnet.org on your company website
• Have an employee serve on EFN’s board or on a committee
• Purchase a table at EFN’s Abundance Auction
• Bringing a group to volunteer at EFN’s warehouse or farm
• Go above and beyond in a special way for EFN

Each month in Pierce County an average of 117,000 children, seniors and adults seek help at local food banks and hot meal sites.  In 2013, EFN distributed 15.6 million pounds of food at no cost through its warehouse operation. EFN is able to leverage food purchased in bulk and donated food to distribute $12 worth of food for every $1 received.

To learn more about EFN or to obtain a food drive information packet, visit www.efoodnet.org or call (253) 584-1040.