Buying Local to Create a Lasting Impact Future Without Poverty recognizes people worldwide make who make a lasting, sustainable impact on our society. This past year, the pandemic permanently or temporally closed over 110,000 restaurants and bars in the United States—affecting over 2.5 million jobs. While the United States is working towards recovery, there are those individuals and shops who managed to survive the pandemic. Then there are those who not only survived but continued to support their community in the process. Chef Bill Hawkins at the Bluebird located in Stanford, KY, exemplifies buying local to create change and positively impact a community. Chef Bill is the recipient of the lifetime achievement award for setting a state record for purchasing and utilizing goods and services solely derived from Kentucky and the local community.
There is a saying that if your community lacks a doctor—do not complain; become one. If your community needs a teacher, then teach. The community at Pivot Academy in the USA needed an individual and organization to promote local enterprise, explain what is love addiction and feed the hungry—this is what Chef Bill Hawkins and the BlueBird restaurant did and have continued to do. Future Without Poverty is proud to recognize citizens such as Chef Bill Hawkins, who are helping be the catalyst for change in our global society.
