This award is sponsored by the National Pork Board, which is proud to reach out to educators and recognize their efforts to instruct their students on the importance of agriculture when selecting products and designing menus.

For American pig farmers, sustainability means doing what’s right for humans, animals, and the environment. They do it by following their long-standing We Care Ethical Principles and committing to continuous improvement in every area of pork production.

Areas to consider when applying for this Award sponsored by the National Pork Board:

• Food Safety
• Animal Wellbeing
• Our communities
• Environment
• Our people

Past winners have implemented aquaculture farms, gardens, farm-to-table menus, waste reduction and more!

What are your efforts in this area?

Award recipients will receive $1,000. And, the winner will be given a complimentary registration to the CAFÉ Leadership Conference in June 2026 in Chicago, Illinois.

Award Guidelines: 

• Open to individuals and all culinary programs. 
• Open to all secondary and post-secondary schools. 
• Entries judged in the areas of quality of design, applicability, replicability, impact upon the college and community, and thoughtful innovation in practice and technique. 
• Applications should include examples of how you are utilizing modern instruments, smart appliances and/or cutting-edge kitchen tech as part of your food item or menu production, targeting ANY food segment audience…from retail foods to fine dining! 
• Past winners may reapply each year for new initiatives or awards. 

Application should include: 

• Contact information, including name, address, school, email, and phone. (See the Application Cover Sheet provided). 
• Description of accomplishment(s) 
• Documentation illustrating the effort. 
• Measurement of the success of this idea/initiative/effort 
• Written permission with these materials that CAFÉ may use any of the information submitted in publicity about the award. 

Deadline to submit is April 1, 2026. Winner will be notified in writing no later than May 1, 2026. 

To apply, send your electronic application with cover sheet and supporting documents to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Please put 2026 Green Award Application in the subject line.

Any questions, contact Mary Petersen at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..