Seattle CityClub recently recognized Federal Way resident Keith Tucker with a 2015 Washington State Jefferson Award for his community service.

The winners represent the state’s unsung heroes; those who are making a difference in their community, the nation and the world, through their jobs or volunteer service.

Tucker’s past experiences with substance abuse and his subsequent 23 years of sobriety inspired him to address community issues of poverty, obesity and chronic illness through teaching youth to eat and value healthy food.

Tucker engages youth by organizing Hip Hop Green Dinners across the country, events that provide opportunities for youth, families and communities to share a free, vegan healthy meal together while enjoying hip hop music with a live DJ. What started as a creative way to educate young people about culture, nutrition and healthy lifestyles in Federal Way has now expanded into a unique model of community building that Tucker takes on tour across the country.

In 1972, the late Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and Senator Robert Taft Jr. founded the Jefferson Awards, the “Nobel Prize” for public service, a unique nationwide effort that recognizes the highest ideals and achievements of individuals in public service in the United States.

A public celebration for the winners will be held on Thomas Jefferson’s birthday, April 13 at the Museum of History and Industry in Seattle from 7–8:30 p.m. Tickets are available at www.SeattleCityClub.org or by calling 206-682-7395.

Read more about Tucker here.