Arne' Burns Receives Rookie of the Year Award

On October 9 in Champaign, IL, Arné Burns received the Rookie of the Year award at University of Illinois Extension’s Illinois Nutrition Education Programs annual Fall Training.

Burns is a community worker who provides Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education to East St. Louis and surrounding areas. In one year, she has become a vital team member and provides high quality nutrition education to both youth and adults.

 “Her positive demeanor, strong work ethic and dedication makes her a phenomenal addition to our team. Given the size and complexity of our region, it is essential to have someone that can work in teams and adapt. Arné has been an excellent and positive addition, always willing to assist and make changes when necessary with a ‘can do’ attitude,” stated Amy Funk, Extension educator in SNAP-Ed.

The Rookie of the Year award is given to a team member who has worked with INEP for less than two years and has shown excellence in reaching limited-resource participants and learning new teaching skills for adult and youth audiences.

The goal of SNAP-Ed is to improve the likelihood that those eligible for Supplemental Food Assistance Program will make healthy food and lifestyle choices that prevent obesity. SNAP-Ed is provided in all fifty states and is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture. In Illinois, SNAP-Ed is part of the Illinois Nutrition Education Programs with University of Illinois Extension.

For more information, contact University of Illinois Extension at (618) 344-4230.