The Library officially serves the U.S. Congress, and is the de facto national library of the U.S. It is the oldest federal cultural institution in the country, and preserves important “cultural artifacts” by providing enduring access to them. Its web archives are an important resource because they capture information that could otherwise be lost. And it sees Civil Eats as an important part of this collection and the historical record.

We’ve been an important part of the Zeitgeist when it comes to national food systems reporting for the last 10 years, and it’s a great honor for our tiny operation to receive a recognition of this magnitude. From capturing the work of sustainable agricultural pioneers to teasing out the impacts of climate change, food insecurity, and state and federal policy, Civil Eats’ reporters have covered many of the most important food and agriculture stories of our time.