Deadline: 15-Mar-2026
The Samuel J. Crumbine Protection Award Program supports innovative local food protection programs in the U.S. and Canada aimed at preventing foodborne illness. Winners receive national recognition, plaques, medallions, and lapel pins, highlighting excellence in food safety and promoting public awareness of sanitation practices.
Purpose
The program encourages innovative approaches in food protection that reduce or eliminate foodborne illness, emphasizes the importance of local food safety, and fosters public engagement in foodservice sanitation.
Award Benefits
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National recognition for the winning program.
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Crumbine Award plaque with a bronze medallion and engraved plate.
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Recognition of key program personnel, including: health officer, program supervisor, and chief sanitarian, through engraved Crumbine medallions.
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Program staff may receive Crumbine Award lapel pins at the program director’s discretion.
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Awards presented during annual meetings of the International Association for Food Protection, the National Association of County & City Health Officials, and the National Environmental Health Association, increasing visibility and impact.
Eligibility
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Local government organizations in the U.S. and Canada responsible for food protection within their jurisdictions (e.g., counties, cities, towns, townships).
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U.S. Uniformed Services and U.S. Indian Health Service area programs with local food programs may apply.
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State, provincial, institutional, industry, and private programs are not eligible.
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All local environmental health jurisdictions are encouraged to apply regardless of size or resources.
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Past winners may reapply five years after receiving the award.
Conclusion
The Samuel J. Crumbine Protection Award Program provides a platform to recognize and elevate exemplary local food protection programs, incentivizing innovation in food safety practices, enhancing public health, and raising awareness of the critical role of sanitation at the community level.
For more information, visit Samuel Crumbine.