The John Barnard Uplifting Communities Award

ABOUT THE AWARD

Empowering Communities to Thrive

The John Barnard Uplifting Communities Award stands as a testament to retired, long-time Vitamix CEO, and founding member of the Vitamix Foundation Board of Directors, John Barnard’s enduring commitment to plant-based nutrition and community health. The award is a partnership of The Plantrician Project and the Vitamix Foundation.

This annual award celebrates the influence and impact of an outstanding leader that has significantly advanced the integration of plant-based nutrition within their community. It honors their dedication to making plant-based options and education accessible, culturally resonant, and impactful - fostering a more sustainable future for community health.

Award Package

Hand holding coin icon

Unrestricted Award

A $25,000 award to the 501c3 nonprofit affiliated with the recipient’s work to support or expand plant-based community initiatives.

Briefcase Icon

Professional Development

Travel and accommodations provided for attendance of the Int’l Plant-Based Nutrition Healthcare and HELP conferences. Attendance at these events is a condition of the grant award.

Chat bubbles icon

Journal Interview

A feature in the International Journal of Disease Reversal to discuss the impact of the award and the recipient’s continued work.

Award Icon

Custom Gift

A beautifully designed award honoring John Barnard’s legacy and the recipient's work.

Flashing Camera Icon

Publicity and Recognition

A featured profile in the publications, websites, and social media channels of The Plantrician Project and the Vitamix Foundation.

Four Person Silhouette Icon

Engage with Future Awardees

An opportunity to participate in the review, selection, and connection of future award winners.

HOW TO BE CONSIDERED

Eligibility Criteria

2+ Years of Service in Community
Focus on Supporting the Underserved
Promote Whole Food Nutrition
Must be available to attend the Power of The Plate (POP) Conference
U.S. Applicants Only
Nonprofit Sector Only

Diane Moss

Co-Founder & Managing Director of Project New Village

Diane is one of Project New Village's 12 original co-founders and current Managing Director. We are proud to celebrate Diane as a driving force behind The Good Food District, Project New Village's model for neighborhood transformation, which aims to elevate and integrate urban agriculture to increase access to healthy food and as a key component of community revitalization in food-insecure neighborhoods in San Diego, California.

Project New Village

Angelia Dickinson

MS, ALC, ADC, DipACLM

Founder & Executive Director of Wholistic Wellness Community, Inc.

Angelia founded Wholistic Wellness Community, Inc. to promote healing and health through evidence-based Lifestyle Medicine. Serving schools and neighborhoods across South Alabama, the organization empowers communities with plant-based nutrition education, cooking classes, and partnerships that advance food security and sustainable agriculture in historically significant communities like Africatown.

Wholistic Wellness Community, Inc.

The John Barnard Award

Nominate Now

Key Dates

2027 Nomination Process

October 14, 2026

Call Opens for 2027 Award Nominations

Nominations are now being accepted!

November 30, 2026

Nominations Due

Completed nominations are submitted via the online nomination form.

December 2026 - February 2027

Selection Process

The Nomination Review Committee made of representatives from Vitamix Foundation and The Plantrician Project will review all nominations. All nominees will be notified of final decisions by the End of February 2027.

2027 Award Presentation

May 13 - 16, 2027

Power of the Plate (POP) Conference

The award will be presented to the 2027 Honoree at The Plantrician Project’s Power of the Plate conference in Los Angeles, CA.