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SGA Executive Director Honored by Chicago Tribune
Seven Generations Ahead founder and executive director Gary Cuneen recently received a prestigious 2008 Good Eating Award from the Chicago Tribune. Cuneen was celebrated as a “food activist” championing the cause of local, organic and sustainable food in Illinois through his pioneering work at Seven Generations Ahead. SGA’s Fresh from the Farm “farm to school” program has been implemented in Chicago area schools for the past six years, and has been recognized as a model curriculum and program. Fresh from the Farm was built upon SGA’s early work in 2001 to educate consumers about the environmental and health benefits of sustainably raised food, and to facilitate linkages between local farmers and consumers.
Cuneen is regularly consulted for his expertise on building sustainable communities and local food initiatives, but the award was a complete and pleasant surprise. “This award is a generous recognition of our work that extends to our board, staff and our many partners in the field who have contributed to the local, sustainable food movement over the years,” Cuneen said.
Click here to read the full article from the Good Eating section of the Chicago Tribune on November 5th.
Cuneen was also quoted in a subsequent Tribune article about the transformation of school lunches from tater tots and chocolate milk to local, healthy foods. “School menus freshen up” highlighted the work SGA has done in Oak Park and elsewhere to improve lunch menus and educate students about food.
William Hatch School in Oak Park was featured as an example of an elementary school committed to making comprehensive healthy changes such as revamping their lunch menu, planting an organic garden and encouraging parents and students to skip cupcakes and other sweets for in-school celebrations.
Click here for more on the movement towards healthier school lunches.
