The award ceremony of the seventh China Charity Award, the top government honor in philanthropy, was held on April 10 in Beijing. The Spring Sprout Project of Amway Charity Foundation (ACF) was named the Most Influential Charity Project of 2011 for its innovative and proactive practices. Other award winners include the Dream Center Project and Free Lunch for Children Project. ACF Director-General Frances Yu attended the award ceremony and, along with the recipients of other awards, was met by China's Vice Premier Li Keqiang . The ceremony was aired at prime time on China Central Television (CCTV) channel 1 and 12.

ACF Director-General Frances Yu at the award ceremony.

    China Charity Award was established by Ministry of Civil Affairs in 2005. As the top honor in philanthropy from the government, it has received extensive recognition and support from the public. The seventh China Charity Award acknowledges individuals, organizations and charity projects that have made outstanding contribution in charitable causes, such as disaster alleviation, helping vulnerable groups, educational aid, medical care, culture promotion, environmental protection and etc. Projects were evaluated in terms of influence, sustainability, creativity, adaptability and credibility. The 20 Most Influential Charity Projects in 2011 were voted by a selection committee and over an open public voting process. ACF Spring Sprout Project receives this honor in its first year of operation, exemplifying the government's strong endorsement of ACF's aptitude in project operation and management. At the same time, this award will also inspire ACF to continue its innovative charity efforts in the future.

    ACF launched the Spring Sprout Project in May 2011, aiming to improve the nutrition of rural boarding students in western and central China. By establishing an open platform for corporations, government bodies, NGOs and schools to cooperate efficiently and building up a transparent and standardized system for project operation and management, as well as ensuring the sustainable development of the program, the Spring Sprout Project has set up an example for other nutrition intervention programs. By the end of 2011, Spring Sprout Project has established 300 Spring Sprout kitchens at 18 counties in 6 provinces, benefitting 150,000 children.