<p>By Polly Partridge, Communications and Government Relations Intern, FMI </p><p><img src="https://www.fmi.org/images/default-source/blog-images/cua-social-media-3_2025.tmb-large-350-.png?Culture=en&sfvrsn=3a7bc533_1" style="float:right;margin-bottom:10px;margin-left:10px;" alt="Community Uplift Award logo with 35 years banner" class="-align-right" sf-size="339184" />As a newly minted college student, having just finished my freshman year, I’m surrounded by young adults searching for how they are going to contribute to the workforce and the world. Questions of how one can contribute to “the greater good” or work toward something bigger than themselves abound. With my recent introduction into the world of food, I have gained a new lens through which I can observe and learn from the people and companies establishing themselves as change-makers in their communities. Furthermore, I have grown to understand the endless ways in which the food industry fulfills its mission of working toward “the greater good.” </p><p>This industry exists to serve the people who walk through our doors each day, and our companies take great pride in both nourishing and giving back to our neighbors and partners. I admire the efforts of the industry to use its resources not only to feed and sustain, but also to uplift and advance the communities in which they operate. </p><p>The <a href="https://www.fmi.org/get-involved/community-uplift/submit-a-nomination">Community Uplift Awards</a> epitomize the food industry’s service-oriented and community driven approach to business. FMI created these awards 35 years ago to recognize and celebrate food companies offering programs and services that give back to their neighborhoods and communities through food drives and donations, educational scholarships, free health screenings, community gardens and countless other efforts to positively effect change. Nominees for the awards reflect the best of our industry as they remain endlessly dedicated to cultivating a flourishing and nourished world. </p><p>The companies that the Community Uplift Awards spotlight do this work in pursuit of being stewards of their communities. Award categories highlight Social Impact Programs, Programs Addressing Food Insecurity and Neighborhood Health Improvement Programs. Nominations will be reviewed based on store-level, corporate and community participation, its ability to address a community need, the breadth and depth of the program and its originality and creativity. </p><p>The deadline to submit nominations is just around the corner on July 8, so don’t delay! By nominating a company today, you can help us shed light on the inspiring work being done by retailers, wholesalers and product suppliers to lift up our communities for “the greater good.” </p><p><a href="https://www.fmi.org/get-involved/community-uplift/submit-a-nomination" class="button">Submit A Nomination</a></p>
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