The National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health sets aside the third Thursday of every November to celebrate National Rural Health Day. It’s an opportunity to celebrate the power of rural by honoring the selfless, community-minded spirit that prevails in rural America.

The Washington State Department of Health’s Office of Rural Health is once again sponsoring an art and recipe contest for students ages 6 to 18. Students are asked to express through hand-drawn pictures what makes their rural area healthy and a great place to live. Over the past four years, the entries have been published in a calendar.

This year, students and their families are asked to also share a favorite, healthy, family recipe and a “kid quote” on what makes their community great.

All this, and more, will culminate as a community cookbook. The winning artists will receive a $25 Amazon gift card, copies of the book, and thank you letter. 

The deadline for the Office of Rural Health to receive the art, recipe, picture, and quote entries is Nov. 1. 

Recipe submissions are for the family’s favorite, healthy recipe; include a photo.

The “kid quote” question is “What makes your community a great place to live?”

Address any questions to Terri McReynolds at terri.mcreynolds@doh.wa.gov.