The nomination deadline for the Youth Food Charter Champion Awards has been extended to 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, July 5. The Good Food Council of Lewiston-Auburn plans to celebrate the organization’s 10th anniversary and host the second annual Youth Food Charter Champion Awards, according to a news release from the council.

Five outstanding youth (individuals and/or groups) will be recognized for taking initiative to grow a healthy local food system from farm-to-fork.

Those eligible to win include individuals and groups ages 11 to 25 living in Androscoggin County. Individuals and groups with a demonstrated passion for local food issues such as composting, pollinators, growing food, helping others access food, helping to solve food system-related problems, etc. are encouraged to nominate themselves, or be nominated. Information about award categories, as well as profiles of the 2021 youth winners, are also on the council’s website. The public can submit nominations to support the identification of winners at goodfood4la.org.

In addition to a framed award, five winners will each receive a $100 Buoy Local Card, a $50 gift card to Boba, two movie passes to Flagship Cinemas. Their efforts will also be highlighted on the council website and through local media.

Awards will be presented at an outdoor event this summer, to be announced. The presenting sponsors of the awards are Bangor Savings Bank, Rinck Advertising, and St. Mary’s Nutrition Center.

Food Charter Champion Awards are given annually by the council to highlight efforts to create a more vibrant and sustainable local food system from farm-to-fork. Those honored with awards lead by example in one or more of the five principles of the LA Community Food Charter. In the past, awards have been given to entities; this is the second year that all awardees will be youth.

For more information, visit the council’s website, call 207-464-4800 or email goodfood4la@gmail.com.