Lindsay Babineau, executive director of the B.C. Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation, was presented with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in recognition for her years of service towards educating students on the value of agriculture and healthy eating.

Michael de Jong, B.C. Minister of Finance and MLA for Abbotsford West, nominated Babineau for the award, and it was presented to her by Lieutenant Governor Judith Guichon at the annual Agri-food Industry Gala in Abbotsford.

"Lindsay has been untiring in her efforts over many years to promote B.C. agriculture and to encourage healthy eating and living habits in children," said Minister de Jong during the medal presentation ceremony.

"She is a most deserving recipient and her work has helped reach and introduce BC agricultural products to over 500,000 BC students, and her success has had, and will have, an effect for generations to come."

Babineau has led the foundation in educating schools across the province through various programs that promote agriculture and healthy eating. The Foundation's largest program, the BC School Fruit and Vegetable Nutritional Program, began in 2005 delivering fruits and vegetables to 10 schools.

The program has now grown to more than 1,400 B.C. public and First Nations schools, serving more than 500,000 students across the province.

"It's an honour to be recognized with this award," said Babineau.

"This award is not just for me, but for our staff, partners, growers and volunteers. It's not one person alone, but all of us working together who have made a difference for agriculture, education and health."

BC Agriculture in the Classroom is a non-profit foundation working with educators through various programs to bring BC's agriculture to their students.

? For more about BCAITC, visit www.aitc. ca/bc.