The FMI Foundations' Gold Plate Awards celebrate organizations making an impact by promoting family meals in their communities.
By: Haley Pierce, Manager, FMI Foundation
The FMI Foundation’s Gold Plate Awards are back for a lucky 13th year—and the spotlight could be yours.
Every year, we honor food retailers, wholesalers and suppliers who participate in National Family Meals Month™ by creating programs and opportunities that encourage eating together with whomever you bring to your table. Research shows that family meals have meaningful benefits, such as eating healthier, saving money and, of course, strengthening connections with one another.
By applying for the Gold Plate Awards, you can share your story and showcase your company’s impact, gaining recognition on a national stage. Categories for this year include:
- Retailer with the Most Stores Participating
- Strongest Retailer & Supplier Partnership
- Most Significant Community Engagement
- Best Charitable Giving Effort
- Most Notable Youth Engagement
Get Ready to Apply for the Gold Plate Awards
A strong Gold Plate Award entry does not need to meet every criterion, but it needs to tell a compelling story of how you are promoting family meals in your stores and in your communities. Programs can be as simple as quick and easy family meals and recipes, cooking with kids or themed dinners.
Because winning campaigns often serve as models for the food industry, judges will consider the originality and quality of your program, its reported reach, its use of National Family Meals Month™ branding or collateral, the level of participation and its potential to grow or be replicated. To help your entry stand out, briefly explain the need your program addressed, what your organization implemented, as well as your audience, reported reach, the results and how the idea could inspire future family meals efforts.
Bringing Family Meals to Life
FMI partners—including commodity boards, community organizations, food retailers, brands and wholesalers—are bringing family meals to life in creative ways. Some Gold Plate Award entries have included launching a Family Meals-inspired cookbook on local news, hosting an America250 Potluck with neighbors and friends alike, and featuring quick, budget-friendly meal ideas in weekly circulars. Find inspiration from previous winners.
Apply by Friday, October 9 at 11:59 p.m. EST for the chance to join the companies advancing National Family Meals Month™ and the year-round Family Meals Movement.
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