Food Safety News writer Cookson Beecher wins two NFPW awards

Writer Cookson Beecher has won two awards in the National Federation of Press Women (NFPW) at-large communications contest for articles published by Food Safety News.

Beecher’s article “Global push critical to prevent, fight pandemics; food safety one key factor” won first place in the Science/Technology category.

The judge of the piece said, “This article has provided a wealth of information to its reader. Very well-written, as I read it, I learned so much more about food safety, pandemics, and what isn’t being done globally.

 “The author has provided facts, science, and reality of what is and can happen globally as countries continue ‘exploiting wildlife and destroying our ecosystems.’ The argument is well made. The facts are well stated and backed up by science. And, reasonable solutions are suggested. Now, let’s get great minds reading this piece.”

Beecher’s article “Water shut-offs pose safety risks during coronavirus pandemic” about the food safety dangers of water outages and shut offs during the pandemic received an honorable mention in the Government/Politics category. 

The judge of the piece said, “Nice opening paragraphs, giving the reader situations to relate to. Good roundup of policies in various communities. Crisp, basic writing, just what’s needed for this type of article.”

The awards will be presented at NFPW 2021 Virtual conference in June. For more information, visit their website.

Beecher spent 12 years working as an agriculture and environment reporter for Capital Press, a four-state newspaper that covers agricultural and forestry issues in the Pacific Northwest.

Before working at Capital Press, she was the editor of a small-town newspaper, the Courier Times, in Skagit County, WA.

She received her bachelors in political science from Hunter College in New York City, and before moving West, she worked for publishing companies in mid-town Manhattan. In the 1970s and ’80s, she and her family lived in North Idaho, where they built a log home and lived a “pioneer life” without running water and electricity for almost 10 years. She currently lives in rural Skagit County, WA.

 About NFPW
NFPW members adhere to the NFPW Code of Ethics, which calls for upholding truth, objectivity, fairness and freedom of the press, according to the organization’s website. They offer the opportunity to purchase affordable libel insurance. The NFPW Education Fund offers grants for professional development. They provide constructive feedback and accolades through professional communications contests at both the state and national levels. Learn more about NFPW here. 

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