In 2012, the City of Coppell received two prestigious state awards. Although many citizens may not realize the connection, the Coppell Farmers Market was a contributing factor in both awards. The City of Coppell was awarded The Texas Environmental Excellence Award for its efforts to protect the Texas environment. The award recognizes the City’s innovative policies to conserve water and other resources, plant naturally, recycle – and help its citizens do the same. One component is that the City has always supported the Coppell Farmers Market, which by its nature reduces food miles, encourages sustainable food production, and promotes diverse use of farmland.
Keep Coppell Beautiful received the Governor’s Community Achievement Award from Keep Texas Beautiful for its grassroots efforts to involve citizens across the board in beautification, educational and environmental programs. Because the Coppell Farmers Market is under parent organization Coppell Community Garden which is in turn supported by KCB, the Market is a factor in the receipt of this award. Educational opportunities in both organizations are part of the award qualification.
The market’s city liaison, Amanda Vanhoozier, received the Standing Ovation Award from the City of Coppell.”The Standing Ovation Award is validation and recognition of the value of community programs in Coppell and how I have contributed to their success,” Vanhoozier said. “I tend to focus on involving the people served which results in a sense of community, enriched lives and mutual respect.” The CFM committee is evidence of her guidance and thrilled that she has been recognized as the jewel that she is. Among many other examples, her leadership resulted in the Market’s receiving the Texas Department of Agriculture Go Texan grant to initiate the Market to Kitchen series where local chefs demonstrate how to prepare recipes with fresh, seasonal food.
Citizen involvement is a common thread in all of these awards. An interested citizen can become a part of this neighborly activity by joining the market committee. Stop by the picnic tables at the market, ask a committee member how to get involved, or send an email inquiry through the website. The committee meets monthly and new members are welcome.