Named for one of America’s most renowned health officers and health educators, Samuel J. Crumbine, MD (1862–1954), the award encourages innovative programs and methods that reduce or eliminate the occurrence of foodborne illnesses, recognizes the importance of food protection at the local level, and stimulates public interest in foodservice sanitation.

The basic criteria of an award-winning program are:

• Sustained excellence over the preceding four to six years, as documented by specific outcomes and achievements, and evidenced by continual improvements in the basic components of a comprehensive program;
• Demonstrated improvements in planning, managing, and evaluating a comprehensive program;
• Innovative and effective use of program methods and problem-solving to identify and reduce risk factors that are known to cause foodborne illness; and
• Targeted outreach; developed partnerships; and participation in forums that foster communication and information exchange among regulators, industry, and consumer representatives.

All local environmental health jurisdictions meeting these basic criteria are encouraged to apply, regardless of size and resources. The deadline to submit entries for the award is March 15, 2023.

Learn more here.