The Vitamix Foundation and The Plantrician Project are proud to open applications for the 2027 John Barnard Uplifting Communities Award, an annual recognition honoring an exceptional leader who is advancing health and uplifting communities through the power of whole food, plant-based nutrition. Since its launch in 2025, the award has celebrated changemakers who demonstrate the transformative power of nutrition to improve lives, strengthen communities, and create healthier futures for all.
Application Submission Deadline: November 30, 2026
Named in honor of John Barnard, retired long-time CEO of Vitamix and founding member of the Vitamix Foundation Board of Directors, this award celebrates individuals who have demonstrated outstanding dedication to improving community health, particularly in underserved communities.
Celebrating Visionary Leadership in Community Health
John Barnard’s legacy is rooted in a deep commitment to advancing the accessibility of plant-based whole food nutrition. This award amplifies his vision by recognizing and supporting leaders who are actively driving change in their communities, working to eliminate health disparities, and creating a lasting impact through education, advocacy, and innovation.
Award Highlights:
$25,000 in unrestricted funding to support or expand community-based, plant-forward initiatives
Award presentation at the 2027 Power of the Plate Conference May 13–16, Los Angeles, CA
A feature profile in The Plantrician Project and Vitamix Foundation publications, as well as the International Journal of Disease Reversal and Prevention.
National visibility through the Vitamix Foundation and The Plantrician Project channels
Who Should Apply / Submit an Application?
Advance whole food, plant-based nutrition through a 501(c)(3) nonprofit
Expand access to healthy food and nutrition education
Demonstrate 2+ years of measurable community impact
Inspire others through community collaboration, service, and leadership
Whether you are applying for your organization or another organization, we invite you to help us recognize those creating healthier communities through their work.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I apply for my own organization or does it need to be nominated by someone else?
Yes! Self-nominations are welcome and encouraged. If you believe your organization's work aligns with the mission of the John Barnard Award, we encourage you to apply. For those nominating a colleague or member of their network, we encourage you to collaborate with them, as it will support your ability to effectively answer the questions on the application.
When will I be notified of the decision?
Applicants will be notified of the award decision in late February 2027.
If I can't attend the Power of the Plate conference (May 13-16, 2027), can I still apply?
No. Attendance at the conference is required to apply for and participate in the John Barnard Uplifting Communities Award. Conference registration, lodging accommodations, and roundtrip airfare will be provided for the 2027 Honoree to attend and be recognized at the event.
Help us elevate the leaders whose work is creating lasting impact and uplifting community health through the power of nutrition.
A selection committee composed of experts from The Plantrician Project and the Vitamix Foundation carefully reviews all applications.
Deadline to submit: November 30, 2026.
Please contact [email protected] with any questions
The Plantrician Project and Vitamix Foundation Presented the
2026 John Barnard Uplifting Communities Award to
Diane Moss 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. Learn more about Project New Village here.
Award ceremony presentation at the Power Of The Plate Conference at Loews Coronado, San Diego, CA | May 14-17, 2026
The John Barnard Award for Uplifting Communities stands as a testament to retired, long-time Vitamix CEO, John Barnard’s enduring commitment to plant-based nutrition and community health. This award amplifies his vision, celebrating leaders building like-minded legacies in their communities to make plant-based, whole-food solutions accessible, empowering communities to thrive.
The award is a partnership of The Plantrician Project and the Vitamix Foundation.
Inaugural Honoree of the John Barnard Uplifting Communities Award
We are proud to share that Angelia Dickinson, MS, ALC, ADC, DipACLM has been honored with The John Barnard Award for Uplifting Communities, presented by The Plantrician Project and the Vitamix Foundation. This award recognizes her leadership through Wholistic Wellness Community, Inc., where through her visionary work, Angelia has empowered lives by bridging awareness, education, and access to whole food, plant-based nutrition in underserved schools and communities in Africatown and across South Alabama. With heart-centered leadership, she meets people where they are, listens deeply, and fosters trust. Angelia uplifts others by honoring their lived experiences, nurturing authentic connection, and responding to both immediate needs and long-term hopes. Her work nxot only creates measurable change in community health and wellbeing, it also builds a culture of belonging, care, and mutual transformation. Learn more about Wholistic Wellness Community, Inc. here!
Award ceremony presentation at the International Plant-Based Nutrition Healthcare Conference in Palm Dessert, CA - September 2025.
About The Plantrician Project
The Plantrician Project is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to promoting whole food, plant-based nutrition for both human and planetary health. Its mission is to educate, equip, empower, and unite healthcare practitioners, educators, and students to advocate for this dietary pattern, recognizing its benefits in preventing and reversing diet-related diseases. The Plantrician Project focuses on building a network of healthcare professionals who are competent and committed to incorporating plant-based nutrition into their practice to better serve their patients.
www.plantricianproject.org
About the Vitamix Foundation
The Vitamix Foundation is a nonprofit, grantmaking organization established by Vitamix to help shape a nation where diet-driven illness does not exist. Its mission is to collaborate and partner with others to further the knowledge, consumption, and enjoyment of plant-based whole foods. Grantmaking focuses on advancing nutrition science, knowledge, and innovation to improve maternal and child health outcomes by increasing access to plant-based whole foods, evidence-based nutrition education, and the resources to ensure sustainable and scalable change for families and future generations. www.vitamixfoundation.org.
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