A southeast Wyoming food and safety nutrition educator for University of Wyoming Extension has received the organization’s newer employee recognition award.

Julie Balzan, based in Platte County and also serving Albany, Carbon, Goshen and Laramie counties, was presented the award at the annual extension training conference last month in Laramie.

Denise Smith, nutrition and food safety educator in Niobrara County, and Stacy Buchholz, 4-H and youth development educator in Platte County, both commended Balzan for her willingness to help and commitment to serve communities.

“Using her extensive knowledge of teaching and working with kids, Julie and her office team of Mary Evans and Marilyn McKinley developed an educational food preparation, nutrition and food safety curriculum entitled R3 – Real Kids, Real Skills, Real Meals,” said Smith.

This program was successful during its test in Platte County and received a John P. Ellbogen Foundation grant to help fund the program throughout Wyoming.

“Julie will jump into a project with a positive attitude and a smile, ensuring her work is educational, fun and professional,” said Buchholz.

Balzan works with many organizations within the communities to help strengthen the relationship with extension, Buchholz explained. She helps provide information to groups like county commission boards, senior centers and 4-H.

“Building lasting relationships within a community is one of Julie’s strengths, and this quality is a huge asset to extension,” said Buchholz.