WSFFN Honors Rep. Marcus Riccelli and Jim Baird with 2015 Advocacy Awards

On September 21^st the Washington Sustainable Food & Farming Network (The Network) honored State Representative Marcus Riccelli and Farmer Jim Baird with WSFFN’s 2015 Advocacy Awards.  Both Representative Riccelli and Jim Baird “have contributed significantly to WSFFN’s vision for a vibrant food and farming culture across Washington State,” stated Executive Director Ellen Gray.

Representative Riccelli was honored for his early leadership, determination and skillful expertise

negotiating the halls of Olympia to secure $5 million to establish the Healthy Kids Healthy Schools Grant Program.  Representative Riccelli has shown understanding and compassion for the challenges of serving healthy Washington-grown food in schools.  He represents the central Spokane region in the 3^rd Legislative District of Washington State.

Jim Baird, farmer and owner of Cloudview Ecofarms and Baird Orchards in Central Washington, was recognized for his ecologically sound farming practices, his passion to create opportunities for beginning farmers, and his unwavering commitment to healthy Washington-grown food for our school kids.

The recognition took place at WSFFN’s annual Harvest Celebration Fundraising Dinner in Seattle at Melrose Market Studios.  140 members of the sustainable community were treated to a delicious dinner prepared by legendary Chef Kaspar Donier of Kaspar’s Special Events & Catering, made from fresh, Washington-grown food donated by 22 Washington farms and businesses.

WSFFN’s mission is to educate, organize and advocate for food and farming systems to become economically prosperous, ecologically sound and socially equitable.   (wsffn.org)