LOGAN — Heidi LeBlanc, Utah State University Extension professor and Food $ense  (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education or SNAP-Ed) director, recently  received the National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (NEAFCS)  Distinguished Service Award. The national award, presented in Lexington, Kentucky, is the  highest award given by the NEAFCS and recognizes members for leadership, educational  program efforts and professional development.

 LeBlanc was recognized for her leadership in Food $ense Extension work in Utah. Last year  the program helped more than 37,000 adults and children in Utah make healthy food  choices  on a limited budget through group classes and other educational activities. In the 10 years LeBlanc has served as director of the program, participation has increased 634 percent with only tripled funding. 

“We were able to expand into all counties in Utah, and we trained and hired additional teachers through matching funds we obtained,” she said. “We also increased online and direct training and worked to help our nutrition education assistants be more efficient in their outreach efforts. Previously we had taught individual classes, and we switched to group classes, which we found to be very effective, and it has helped our participants gain a new network of friends in the program.” 

Ken White, USU Extension vice president, said LeBlanc is extremely deserving of the NEAFCS Distinguished Service Award and he is pleased with the outstanding way she directs the Food $ense program. 

“She is truly an innovative leader, and through this program, many thousands of Utahns receive important nutritional education each year,” he said. “Our hats go off to Heidi and her staff for helping provide them with resources that will improve their health and lives.” 

Prior to becoming the state Food $ense director, LeBlanc worked for the program in San Juan County for five years. She said she is passionate about the program and the way it helps people.

“We are increasing food security in Utah while helping families eat healthier, be more physically active and cook family meals at home,” she said. “I feel so fortunate to work in a program of such great impact, and I love that we are making a difference in the lives of Utahns each day. I am very honored to receive this Distinguished Service Award.”