A local grassroots organization could win $50,000 if they get enough votes on Facebook.
Community Food Initiatives, an Athens-based group that aims to support and expand the local food movement, was named one of 51 finalists in the “50 States for Good” program hosted by Tom’s of Maine, according to a press release Monday.
Through October 9, local residents can vote daily to bring the funding to Athens County via Facebook. To vote, click here.
“Each state was awarded a finalist, so Community Food Initiatives is representing Ohio in this competition,” said Mary Nally, Community Food Initiatives executive director.
The winnings would go to The Donation Station, an existing Community Food Initiatives program that distributes local food from the Athens Farmer’s Market to food pantries and social service agencies for low income, Nally said.
In addition, Community Food Initiatives will be able to offer cooking and nutrition classes for their patrons through a new project called the Discovery Kitchen.
“The intent is that we will be helping to better equip people to know what to do with fresh food when they get it,” Nally said.
She said the organization and many of their partners, including 30 Mile Meal and Rural Action, has been sharing the link to vote on Facebook. Nally said she hopes that the organizations facebook friends will share the voting link on their pages as well.
“I think we have a very strong base to work with here but it’s going to be a concerted effort on all parts to continue to build momentum and remind people to vote daily,” Nally said.
An independent panel of judges for the “50 States of Good” program selected non-profits from each state. The public facebook vote will determine six winners who will share $150,000 in funding from Tom’s of Maine, a natural products company focused on oral and personal care, according to the release.
“The challenge is that we are a rural area and other competitors are in big cities and have an easier time connecting with a large group of people,” Nally said.
The organization with the most facebook votes will receive $50,000, while the other winners receive $20,000.
“We now look to our community to help build the support needed to bring this funding to Athens County,” Nally said in the release.
ls114509@ohiou.edu
