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Costco recognized for sustainable food efforts

Sheri Flies (top right in light blue shirt) in

Africa, 2010.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SHERI FLIES

THE JAMES BEARD Awards are the Oscars of the food industry, going out to the country’s top chefs and restaurateurs. Last year, the James Beard Foundation added a new category in its annual competition, the Leadership Award, and recognized 10 leaders in the sustainable food movement, including Sheri Flies (pronounced “;eece”) of Costco.

As an assistant general merchandizing manager in Costco’s corporate foods department, Sheri has been active in numerous programs at Costco that support sustainable food supplies. In particular, she was honored for her work with the Juan Francisco Project involving French green beans grown in Guatemala and sold at Costco. ;e project helps farmers ;nd better ways to grow their crops, get them to market and diversify—all of which helps ensure a fair return for farmers and a sustainable supply for buyers.

“Fair return is more than how much
farmers get paid per pound,” Sheri explained
to the James Beard Foundation. “We want to
make sure that they and their families are
healthy, that they have educational opportu-
nities, that they have clean water and access to
adequate healthcare. We also assist them in
ensuring that there are adequate inputs for
soil and plant health, that yields are maxi-
mized and proper harvesting techniques are
used, and that, in the end, quality products
are produced.”
;e James Beard Foundation created the
new category to recognize visionaries in the
business, government and education sectors
who are responsible for creating a healthier,
safer and more sustainable food world. ;e
honorees ranged from urban-agriculture
advocates to pioneers in healthier school
foods, and included ;rst lady Michelle Obama.

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