Pictured are the award-winning staff members from the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach office in Tama County, from left, Executive Director Cheryl Bruene, Tama County Youth Coordinator Jennifer Hulme and Office Assistant Sara Sorensen. -- Contributed photo

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach county offices in the north central area announced award recipients for outstanding achievements in 2021.

Cheryl Bruene, Jenny Hulme, and Sara Sorensen received the Excellence in COVID Recovery award for developing and engaging partnerships that implemented innovation in programming throughout Tama County.

The team distributed over a thousand pounds of fresh produce to Tama County food pantries, mobilized gardeners to grow another row to donate items, planned the construction of “little” food pantries to be built in spring 2022, and established partnerships to deliver “Kids in the Kitchen” education to K-5th grade students.

Chelsea Llewellyn received recognition in Ag and Natural Resources for demonstrating excellence in programming in Marshall County by developing partnerships that utilize a cooperative approach to programming. She has provided leadership to the state Master Gardeners Program the Central Iowa Ag Team while increasing capacity in Marshall County through spring and summer garden programs, building partnerships, and increasing food access by installing a “little” food pantry.

Grisel Chavez received the Face of Extension County Award for moving programs forward and for becoming a trusted source in the Marshall County community to engage all Iowans. She has increased her caseload for Food and Nutrition training, has garnered a strong social media presence by creating videos in Spanish, and has adapted the delivery of her program by teaching over various online platforms during the pandemic.

Chelsea Llewellyn, Marshall County ISU Extension Program Assistant

ISU Extension and Outreach builds a strong Iowa by engaging all Iowans in research, education, and extension experiences to address current and emerging real-life challenges. Learn more at www.extension.iastate.edu.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider. For the full non-discrimination statement or accommodation inquiries, go to www.extension.iastate.edu/diversity/ext.