Friday, January 7, 2011

News Release: Students encouraged to enter essay contest on food and its role in our lives

For Immediate Release

Students encouraged to enter essay contest on food and its role in our lives
Written and video essays accepted; prizes include Flip VideoTM Camcorders and Apple iPads

INDIANAPOLIS (Jan. 7, 2011)—Students in grades 4-12 are encouraged to capture their love of Indiana food and its farmers on paper or on video for the 2011 Ag Essay Contest titled “Our Food, Our Farmers.”

Sponsored by Indiana’s Family of Farmers and the Indiana Humanities Council, the essay contest asks students to explain how Indiana agriculture plays a positive role in their life—and in the lives of those around them. There are two categories of competition: video essay and written essay; and three grade levels: 4-6; 7-9 and 10-12. Entries must be received by Feb. 15, 2011.

“Indiana’s family farms, large and small, are committed to providing a safe, stable and affordable food supply that feeds a growing population,” said Indiana Agriculture Director, Joe Kelsay. “But today's farmers do more than feed and clothe us. They contribute to the economy, protect the environment and improve our health. We want to help young Hoosiers understand and appreciate this impact.”

A winner from each grade level, in each category, will receive a Flip VideoTM Camcorder and be invited to a presentation at the Indiana Statehouse on March 7, 2011. The overall winner in each category will receive an Apple iPad.

  
This contest is part of the Indiana Humanities Council’s two-year Food for Thought initiative. Food for Thought is an examination and celebration of the ways food helps to define Indiana’s culture, considering food in the context of history, law, politics, science, the arts, religion, ethnicity and our place in the world.

About Indiana’s Family of Farmers
Indiana’s Family of Farmers was formed in 2009. Its purpose is to bring awareness that Indiana’s farmers are among the top producers of grains, produce and meats you eat every day because we believe that quality farming means quality food that is good for you, your families and the environment. That’s our promise:  FOOD FOR YOUR FAMILY, FROM OUR FAMILY. Learn more at www.indianafamilyoffarmers.com.
  
About the Indiana Humanities Council
The Indiana Humanities Council connects people, opens minds and enriches lives by creating and facilitating programs that encourage people to think, read, talk and listen. Learn more at www.indianahumanities.org.

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Contact information:
Jeannie Keating, Manager of Media Relations
Indiana State Department of Agriculture
317.696.9695, jkeating@isda.in.gov


Kristen Fuhs Wells, Indiana Humanities Council
317.638.1500 x125, kwells@indianahumanities.org

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