As regular readers of The Food Section know, Mondays are typically reserved for newsier material, such as reports on what new liquor laws or the current pickleball craze could mean for eaters across the South. But I’m today preempting the climate change-adjacent story planned for this space to share a late-breaking development:
The Food Section this weekend received the LION Local Journalism Award for New Business of the Year.
I hadn’t heard of LION (Local Independent Online News) Publishers prior to launching The Food Section. In fact, I was probably a few months into operations before I realized there was an organization dedicated to supporting journalistic excellence outside of legacy media. LION has roughly 500 member outlets, all of which are serving communities that have been abandoned, overlooked, or harmed by legacy media.
You may live in a place where the local newspaper has shut down or shriveled, and one of these upstarts is doing the important work of keeping the public informed. Among Friday night’s honorees were Enlace Latino NC, the state’s first Spanish-language digital news service; Asheville Watchdog, which exposed a local attorney preying on vulnerable homeowners, resulting in his arrest on 41 felony charges; and Mississippi Free Press, which helped Black women overcome barriers to COVID care.
Still, I’ll admit to bias in this instance. I was most excited about The Food Section winning one of the evening’s premier prizes, given in recognition of the newsletter’s “operational resilience, financial health, and journalistic impact.”
Officially, the judges (who were under the impression that this is a multi-person newsroom) wrote that, “Their focus on bringing quality food journalism to underserved communities in the South is something that is clearly needed, and they’re doing it through a business lens to actually make it work.”
Unofficially, one of them told me after the ceremony, The Food Section “impressed the hell out of us.”
Even though I attended the shindig in Austin, thanks to a LION travel scholarship, I had no expectation of going home with a trophy. That’s because my revenue strategy is astoundingly simple: I’ve figured from the start that if I did good work, people would pay for it.
And you did. As I said in my impromptu acceptance speech, The Food Section’s success has been made possible entirely by its paying subscribers. This newsletter would not exist if you didn’t share my belief that food journalism consists of more than recipes and reprinted press releases—and trust me to hold power to account by practicing it.
In other words, this fancy hardware belongs to you. Let me know if you ever want to borrow it for a spell.
But as I also said from the stage, I want to thank more of you next year. Even though The Food Section will have aged out of the New Business category, I have every intention of continuing to publish award-worthy journalism, so long as its readers continue to support it.
If you haven’t yet upgraded to paid status, now’s a great time to do so. And if your paid subscription is about to expire, please consider renewing.
I know economic circumstances have changed for many readers over the past year, but the price of The Food Section is holding steady at $9 a month. In the spirit of moving forward, that’s the equivalent of 2.8 gallons of gas, or about half of what people pay on average for a single Uber ride. I hope you’ll agree that’s an investment worth making in independent, hard-hitting food journalism.
Like many award-giving organizations, LION asks its winners to pose with their trophies after claiming them. But it’s up to the event photographer to coach them on just how to position their hands so it’s clear what’s happening in the picture. Since New Business was the evening’s second-to-last category, the photog had repeated the same instructions many, many times before I reached her.
She was astounded that I didn’t seem to require any guidance, until I explained that I spent a summer working as an antique portrait photographer at Stagecoach Stop USA. Apparently, I’d internalized all the advice I’d given to wannabe cowboys who wanted to be sure the label on their Jack Daniels bottle was showing.
That was a fun job. But this one’s even better. Thank you for allowing me to have it.
Take care,
Hanna
“Impressed the hell out of us” seems just right. And good to learn about LION and their work
I try to keep even the advertorials informative!
Congratulations! Bravo. Great job and charming speech. Keep up the great work!
Congrats, Hannah !! Keep up the good work. Love reading your pieces.
Congratulations! Well deserved!
Congrats Hanna! Well deserved. Keep it going!…
Hearty congratulations for your excellent reporting and for the attention given to those who are largely invisible but without whom chefs and owners would not be able to function. Thanks also for reporting on women and minority owned businesses. Your work in the Post and Courier is the reason I subscribed to the Food Section.
Congratulations, my friend! Long live The Food Section!
Deal!
Congratulations to The Food Section!
How wonderful and how appropriate for your vision and hard work and creativity tenacity integrity and brilliance to be noted and lifted up by people who believe in the power and importance of words and stories and connections and truth. Congratulations and Rock on, Hanna!
Well, today started out great when my boss was all: going home early, it’s a holiday. (It’s Halloween and this IS New Orleans.). But now it’s awesome. Congratulations! Sending a virtual bouquet of pralines!
Yay! Happy Halloween!
Congratulations!
Woo hoo, Hanna! Way to go. Thanks for sharing this bit of awesome news.
Wow! This is fabulous news Hanna! Congratulations and thanks for all you do.
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An interesting fact about Glendale is its transformation from
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HVAC repair costs in Glendale can vary based on the type of service required.
Basic repairs might cost a few hundred dollars, while more
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Glendale experiences a desert climate with summer temperatures frequently surpassing 105°F and winter temperatures averaging around 40°F.
These conditions make it essential to have a reliable HVAC system to ensure indoor comfort year-round.
Regular maintenance and timely repairs are crucial to avoid system failures during
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Glendale offers numerous points of interest for residents and visitors.
The Adobe Mountain Train Museum showcases the history of railroading
with a collection of model trains and exhibits.
The Arizona Doll and Toy Museum is a delight for toy enthusiasts,
featuring dolls and toys from different periods. The Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve offers a glimpse into ancient history with its collection of petroglyphs.
The Desert Diamond Casino – West Valley is a hub of entertainment and gaming
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In the scorching heat of Glendale, Arizona, having a reliable HVAC system is essential.
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conditioning repair, heating installation, and comprehensive HVAC maintenance.
Serving neighborhoods such as Arrowhead Ranch and Bethany Square Neighborhood, Ufirst Heating
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despite the harsh outdoor conditions. These services are
indispensable in Glendale, where maintaining an efficient
HVAC system is vital for health and comfort.
Ufirst Heating & Cooling is based in Glendale, a city founded in 1892.
With a population of 252,136 and 83,956 households, Glendale is a thriving community.
The city is well-served by Loop 101 (Agua Fria Freeway), which
facilitates easy travel across the metropolitan area. An interesting fact about Glendale is its history as an agricultural hub, which has evolved into a bustling city known for its
vibrant sports and entertainment scene, including the University of Phoenix
Stadium.
The cost of HVAC repairs in Glendale can vary significantly.
Simple air conditioning repairs might cost a few hundred
dollars, while more extensive system upgrades or installations can range into
the thousands. Glendale’s climate features extreme temperatures, with summer
highs often exceeding 105°F and winter lows averaging around 40°F.
This makes reliable HVAC systems crucial for maintaining indoor comfort throughout the
year. Regular maintenance and prompt repairs are essential to prevent
breakdowns, especially during the hot summer months.
Glendale offers a variety of points of interest that cater to different interests.
The Adobe Mountain Train Museum is a must-visit for
train enthusiasts, featuring a wide array of model trains and historical exhibits.
The Arizona Doll and Toy Museum showcases an extensive
collection of dolls and toys. The Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve is
home to numerous ancient rock carvings. The Desert Diamond Casino – West Valley offers
entertainment and gaming options. Downtown Glendale is known for its historic charm, with
numerous shops, restaurants, and cultural events.
Choosing Ufirst Heating & Cooling for HVAC services
in Glendale is a smart decision for residents seeking reliable and efficient solutions.
The company provides a full range of services, including HVAC diagnostics, energy-efficient system upgrades, and emergency repairs.
Ufirst Heating & Cooling is dedicated to delivering
high-quality workmanship and exceptional customer service, ensuring that all heating and cooling needs are met promptly and professionally.
For those living in Glendale, Ufirst Heating & Cooling
is the best choice for maintaining a comfortable and efficient indoor environment.
In Glendale, Arizona, where the desert climate demands efficient HVAC systems, Ufirst Heating & Cooling is the
go-to HVAC contractor. Offering essential services
like air conditioning repair, heating installation, and comprehensive
HVAC maintenance, Ufirst Heating & Cooling serves neighborhoods such as Ashland and
Camelback Village Estates. These services are crucial in Glendale, ensuring that residents enjoy a comfortable indoor environment despite the
extreme temperatures outside. Reliable HVAC systems are vital
for maintaining comfort and health in this desert city.
Ufirst Heating & Cooling operates in Glendale, a city founded in 1892 that has grown into a significant urban area.
With a population of 252,136 and 83,956 households, Glendale is a
bustling community. The city is intersected by Loop 101 (Agua Fria Freeway), a major highway that enhances
connectivity. An interesting fact about Glendale
is its rich history in agriculture, which has transformed into a modern city known for its
sports and entertainment venues, such as the
State Farm Stadium.
The cost of HVAC repairs in Glendale can vary widely depending on the service required.
Basic air conditioning repairs may cost a few hundred dollars, while
more extensive system upgrades or installations can be more expensive.
Glendale experiences significant temperature variations, with summer highs often exceeding 105°F and winter lows averaging around 40°F.
This makes efficient HVAC systems essential for maintaining indoor comfort.
Regular maintenance and timely repairs are crucial to prevent system
breakdowns, especially during the hot summer months.
Glendale offers a variety of points of interest for
residents and visitors. The Adobe Mountain Train Museum is a fascinating destination for train enthusiasts.
The Arizona Doll and Toy Museum features a vast collection of dolls
and toys from different eras. The Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve
offers a unique look into ancient history with its collection of petroglyphs.
The Desert Diamond Casino – West Valley is a popular entertainment spot.
Downtown Glendale is known for its historic district, filled with unique
shops, restaurants, and cultural events.
Opting for Ufirst Heating & Cooling for HVAC services in Glendale is a wise choice for
anyone looking to maintain comfort and efficiency. The company offers a
comprehensive range of services, including HVAC diagnostics, energy-efficient system upgrades, and emergency repairs.
Ufirst Heating & Cooling is committed to providing high-quality workmanship and exceptional customer service, ensuring that all
heating and cooling needs are met promptly and professionally.
For Glendale residents, Ufirst Heating & Cooling
is the trusted partner for reliable and efficient
HVAC solutions.