CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- At the annual Illinois Nutrition Education Programs conference, team members from University of Illinois Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education were recognized for their excellence in nutrition education programming over the past year. INEP provides free, easy solutions to improve the health of Illinois families and communities through strategic partnerships focused on healthy eating, physical activity, and improving access to nutritious foods.

INEP programs reach nearly every county in Illinois through University of Illinois Extension (SNAP-Ed and EFNEP) and University of Illinois at Chicago's Partnership for Health Promotion (SNAP-Ed).

"Nominations for awards come from staff across the state and supervisors. This year, we had twice as many nominations come in as the previous year. It goes to show the valuable work happening across Illinois," said Vanessa Ramirez-Prado, eastern region Extension specialist, SNAP-Ed.

Rookie of the Year

Overall excellence in programming within the first two years of employment

• Linda Aceves, EFNEP
• Isabel Dyche, Extension SNAP-Ed
• Terrice Randolph, CPHP SNAP-Ed

Individual Excellence in Outstanding Programming

Overall excellence in direct education programming

• Denetria Adams, CPHP SNAP-Ed
• Nick Brown, Extension SNAP-Ed
• Mario A. Puente Rebollar, EFNEP

Individual Excellence in Policy, Systems, and Environmental Change Efforts

Overall excellence in PSE change efforts through partnerships, coalition building, and implementing sustainable changes

• Lacey Barnhill, Extension SNAP-Ed
• Lizz Cooley Questelle, Extension SNAP-Ed
• Evonne Patrice Cooper Fluorney, CPHP SNAP-Ed

Team Effort Award

Team excellence in collaborative spirit, dedication, and outstanding contributions of working together

• CPHP SNAP-Ed community adults team: Claire Lenell, Charnell Watson, Magdalena Raigosa, Denetria Adams
• EFNEP Cook County south team: Mario A. Puente Rebollar, Linda Aceves, Mark Aceves, Tania Hernandez, Brianna Ringo, Shanda Felder, Garry Carter
• Extension SNAP-Ed Henry, Mercer, Rock Island, and Stark Counties team: Tayler Louscher, Mitchell Walker, Darcy Eggimann, Melissa Fudge, Araceli Garcia, Amy Spence

Walking on Sunshine Award

An individual who demonstrates a positive attitude

• Priscilla Escobar, CPHP SNAP-Ed
• Sarita Sawyer, Extension SNAP-Ed
• Elena Tellez, EFNEP

"Robin Orr Spirit" Award

An individual who demonstrates the same passion, dedication, and commitment as Robin Orr exhibited for educating and supporting at-risk audiences by assisting individuals and families to choose healthier foods and make healthier lifestyle choices

• Priscilla Escobar, CPHP SNAP-Ed

SOURCE: Vanessa Ramirez-Prado, eastern region Extension specialist, SNAP-Ed, University of Illinois Extension