WINONA, Minn. – The downtown coffee house Blooming Grounds was recognized with a Partnership Excellence Award from the Visit Winona booster organization. Owner Amy Jo Marks offered free lunches for school-aged children when schools shut down early in the pandemic. In accepting the award, Marks thanked volunteers who donated peanut butter and jelly and ran sandwiches around town. Marks also was honored for arranging street entertainment and working with other merchants to deliver flowers and cupcakes.
Earlier: PBJ sandwiches for hungry kids
Marks. On the job in yellow plaid.