On a beautiful weekend in January, the publishers and editors of Edible Communities gathered in the seaside town of Santa Barbara, California, for an annual sharing of ideas. It all began humbly in 2002, when co-founders Tracey Ryder and Carole Topalian first published Edible Ojai with a vision of promoting local foods in their California community. Edible Communities is now a network of 70 magazines in the United States and Canada, each locally owned, each an advocate for the food producers of its region.
Though Edible magazines are as varied as their unique locales, there is a shared belief in the importance of knowing the origins of what we eat, a communal appreciation for the joys of breaking bread with our neighbors, and a commitment to making sure that every person in our community has access to affordable, fresh food. Our shared mission is to promote and protect our agricultural resources and to preserve our local foods.
Recognizing Edible Communities’ commitment to these ideas, the James Beard Foundation awarded its 2011 Publication of the Year Award collectively to Edible Communities. The presentation was made at the James Beard Journalism Awards dinner on May 6
in New York City. The Journalism Awards Committee recognized our publications for demonstrating “fresh directions, worthy ambitions, and a forward thinking approach to food journalism.”
“At a time when journalists are reinventing traditional publications and embracing digital formats, the Journalism Committee of the James Beard Foundation is proud to recognize Edible Communities for this first-ever award. Edible Communities’ body of work reflects excellence in the ever-changing world of food journalism. Its publications inform and connect today’s food-savvy readers with local communities that stand for a healthful, flavorful, and sustainable food supply.”
Edible Dallas & Fort Worth is proud to be a part of Edible Communities and honored to be recognized alongside our sister publications with this prestigious award. Our heartfelt thanks to our writers and photographers who bring the best to these pages, and to our advertisers who provide financial support. Thank you for believing in our mission.
Edible Dallas & Fort Worth is a quarterly local foods magazine that promotes the abundance of local foods in Dallas, Fort Worth and 34 North Texas counties. We celebrate the family farmers, wine makers, food artisans, chefs and other food-related businesses for their dedication to using the highest quality, fresh, seasonal foods and ingredients.
