At a University of Wyoming Extension conference in Sheridan earlier this month, Wyoming’s Cent$ible Nutrition Program (CNP) recognized outstanding staff members and partners.

CNP is a statewide program that aims to help Wyoming’s families with limited resources improve nutrition and physical activity choices through local partnerships and nutrition education.

“All of our CNP educators do an outstanding job,” says CNP Director Mindy Meuli. “Our award winners were exceptional this past year in providing programming for their participants and community partners. CNP is lucky to have such dedicated and accomplished educators.”

Anderson named Rookie of the Year

Stephanie Anderson, who serves as the CNP educator for Uinta and south Lincoln Counties, was recognized as CNP Rookie of the Year. “Stephanie has shown incredible dedication and creativity during her first year with us and we are excited to see where she will take [her] programming,” says Meuli.

Anderson taught 69 adults and 239 youth this year. Her adult participants saved an average of $166 a month on groceries. She also partnered with a local food pantry, farmers market, and local businesses to create an innovative program that helps bring more Wyomingites with limited resources to the farmers market.

Velarde recognized as Newer Educator of the Year

Jolene Velarde, a Fremont County educator who joined CNP in 2023, was honored with the Newer Educator of the Year award for her nutrition education programming and community interventions.

Velarde graduated 30 adults and 237 youth this year and partnered with nearly every food pantry in her county to help make nutritious choices more accessible. “Jolene brings her positive, can-do attitude to all she does,” says Meuli. “Whether it is teaching classes, weighing and distributing produce donation for food pantries, or developing new partnerships, her passion and focus have made a difference in Fremont County.”

Laramie County educator honored as CNP Educator of the Year

Kelsi Goldfarb was named CNP Educator of the Year for a second time. Goldfarb first achieved this honor in 2022.

In 2023, Goldfarb taught 131 adults; 94% of her adult participants improved in at least one nutrition practice and 84% became more physically active. She also taught 184 youth.

“Participants in Kelsi’s classes consistently make significant lifestyle changes, particularly in being active,” says Meuli. “She is a fantastic educator and her partnerships have helped our program branch out in her community.”

Goldfarb has established new partnerships with several unique organizations, including after-school programs, childcare centers, food pantries, and income-based housing projects.

Lake receives Community Impact Award

Ruth Lake, who served as the CNP educator for Albany and Carbon counties in 2024, received the Community Impact Award for her dedication to cultivating relationships with diverse partners. She helped re-establish a school garden and coordinated the construction of a geodesic dome greenhouse to grow produce for local hunger-relief organizations. She provided programming for participants of all ages, from young children to older adults.

“Ruth is returning to CNP after several years away and has jumped right into building strong partnerships in the community,” says Meuli. “Her work with community partners has sparked strong collaborations across diverse organizations.”

Ware receives CNP’s highest honor

Laramie County educator Tammy Ware received the 2024 Linda Melcher award for her leadership and commitment to her community. The Linda Melcher award, named for CNP’s first director, recognizes educators who embody CNP’s mission.

“Tammy has a deep empathy and compassion for the people we serve,” says Meuli. “She started with us in Johnson County, then Converse and Niobrara counties, and now Laramie County, and everywhere she has been, her kindness and heart shines through.”

Since joining CNP, Ware has mentored new CNP educators and helped develop curricula and toolkits that have improved CNP’s programming throughout the state.

Geodome builder gives Wyoming communities more time to grow

UW Extension educator and horticulture specialist Jeff Edwards was awarded the Collective Impact Award for his work to improve Wyomingites’ access to fresh fruits and vegetables through the construction of season extension structures.

Edwards has spearheaded the construction of geodesic dome greenhouses across the state since 2016, when he first partnered with CNP to build a hoop house. Through his collaboration with CNP, these structures have increased fresh produce donations to food pantries and other hunger-relief agencies.

“Jeff’s collaborations with CNP expanded the way we think about fresh produce and food donations in numerous communities throughout Wyoming,” says Meuli. “His partnership has made an incredible difference, and we appreciate all his hard work and leadership in helping to extend Wyoming’s short growing season to help increase food security.”

To learn more about CNP, visit uwyocnp.org.