RUMFORD — Carole Rickards’ creation of a family, colorful vegetables and a dairy farm in the background was chosen as the winning artwork for the cover of a Healthy Food Guide.

The Peru woman’s work, done in acrylic, was one of 11 entries from artists from Albany Township, Bryant Pond, Rumford, Jay, Farmington and Peru.

Rickard has been creating works of art for many years. Although she has won ribbons and the purchase prize in several art shows over the years, this is the first time she has won a contest.

“This is really a boost,” she said.

Her entry was titled, “Planting the Seeds of Good Nutrition and Health.”

The Healthy Food Guide will be available free of charge to recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (food stamps), and for those who are eligible to use the area’s food pantries.

Carol Emery, administrator of the Healthy Maine Partnership Grant, said efforts are being made to sell advertising in the 20-25 page guide so that it will be available to anyone who wants one.

The entry was chosen because it promotes eating local foods, said Emery, who was on the selection committee.

Beverly Crosby, administrator for the River Valley Growth Council and also a judging committee member, said Rickards’ artwork was exactly what was needed.

“It has a family, seeds, and a background of agricultural fields,” she said.

The art contest was funded by a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program grant. Rickards received $250 for her winning work.

The guide will likely be available in early 2011 although efforts are being made to have it ready sometime during the late harvest season.

The River Valley Healthy Communities Coalition and the River Valley Growth Council sponsored the contest.

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