FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – October 19, 2023
For More Information, Contact:
FEC: Food Equity Council Program Manager Julia Groenfeldt 202-747-3455 julia@pgcfec.org
IPHI: Communications Director Taya Jarman, APR 202-747-3541 tjarman@institutephi.org
Prince George’s County, MD – The Prince George’s County Food Equity Council (FEC) is thrilled to announce its 10th year anniversary celebration. This celebration is a testament to a decade of dedicated efforts in promoting food justice and equity throughout Prince George’s County, Maryland. The festivities will take place on October 24 at ECO City Farms, where community members, leaders, and advocates will celebrate this milestone and unveil an exciting new initiative, the David Harrington Food Justice Award.
“We are tremendously proud to celebrate a decade of service to improve our food system in the county,” said Evelyn Kelly, the Interim Director of the FEC. The event will kick off with opening remarks from prominent figures, including Tara Jackson, Chief Administrative Officer of Prince George’s County, and District 5 County Council Member Jolene Ivey. Remarks will also be given by FEC’s founding members and community partners.
One of the most anticipated highlights of the anniversary celebration is the launch of the David Harrington Food Justice Award. This annual award honors a food justice champion in Prince George’s County. The award will be given to someone who has shown exceptional commitment to creating a healthier and more equitable food system. The award is named after the late David Harrington, a passionate advocate for food justice and founding member of the FEC whose legacy continues to inspire meaningful change in the county. Harrington, a former state senator, mayor, and Prince George’s County Council member, also served as a senior advisor to the Institute for Public Health Innovation, which incubates the FEC.
Kelly added, “This milestone is a testament to the power of community, collaboration, and determination. Together, we have made significant strides toward ensuring that all residents of Prince George’s County have access to nutritious, affordable, and culturally appropriate food.”
Nominations for the David Harrington Food Justice Award will open on Nov. 1 on the FEC’s website. An awardee will be announced in spring 2024.
Event Details:
Date: Tuesday, October 24, 2023
Time: 4:30 – 6 p.m.
Location: ECO City Farms, 4913 Crittenden St, Hyattsville, MD 20781
The anniversary celebration is open to all community members and partners who have been involved with or support the FEC’s work. For more information and to RSVP for the event, please visit: bit.ly/FEC10Years
# # #
About Prince George’s County Food Equity Council (FEC)
FEC is a local food policy council that works to help Prince George’s County residents grow, sell, and choose healthy foods. Since 2013, FEC has been a voice for county residents at the policymaking table. We work with county leaders to find permanent solutions to improve our food system. We focus on systematic and sustainable changes to Prince George’s public health challenges (i.e., hunger, obesity, and food deserts that lack healthy food options) by advocating for policy that creates a more equitable local food system. The FEC is incubated within the Institute for Public Health Innovation. For more information on FEC, visit www.pgcfec.org and follow FEC on social media @pgcfec.
About Institute for Public Health Innovation (IPHI)
IPHI develops multi-sector partnerships and innovative solutions to improve the public’s health and well-being across the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia. IPHI’s work strengthens health systems and policy, enhances conditions that promote health, and builds community capacity to ensure equitable health opportunities. IPHI is one of over 40 public health institutes and a member of the National Network of Public Health Institutes. For more information about IPHI, visit: www.institutephi.org, and follow IPHI on Facebook and Twitter @InstitutePHI.
