Tim McDermott, Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator, was recognized by The City of Columbus, Franklin County Local Food Board, and the Franklin County Local Food Council as the Local Food Champion. Columbus City Councilmember Priscilla Tyson presented Tim with a resolution during the June 24, 2019 Council meeting. Tim’s efforts were also honored during a special ceremony at the Franklin County Local Food Council meeting on Wednesday, June 19, 2019, at Columbus Public Health. The Local Food Champion Award recognizes and celebrates grassroots community efforts that support the Columbus and Franklin County Local Food Action Plan’s vision of a fair and sustainable food system that benefits our economy, our environment and all people.

Since joining OSU Extension in 2015 and joining the Franklin County team in 2017, Tim has built relationships, further developed existing partnerships and developed new resources by going out into the community and meeting individually with each group. This personal approach has allowed him to design programming tailored to each family, community, neighborhood and situation. His work is helping a network of producers in disadvantaged communities grow and laying the foundation to overcome the existing challenges they face. Tim is also bringing skills to Columbus City Elementary Schools. He is working to develop school gardening curriculum that addresses workforce development through STEM-based agricultural techniques. “As a long-time Franklin County resident who raised his kids here, I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve neighbors and neighborhoods by assisting in the implementation of the Columbus and Franklin County Local Food Action Plan,” said Tim.  

You may read the official City of Columbus press release here. Tim also publishes Growing Franklin as a tool for keeping citizens informed about local food production in Franklin County. Visit here to read the latest news and subscribe.