Lake County dietitian honored

The University of Illinois Extension Lake County Unit has awarded Toby Smithson, the Lake County Health Department’s community dietitian, with the Hall of Fame award for community partnership in food and nutrition education. Smithson, of Vernon Hills, received the award during a recent awards ceremony. She has partnered with the Extension for many years. That partnership included supporting a group called C.H.A.N.G.E. that reached out to the community to deliver research information on nutrition. It included collaboration with Extension staff, the county health department, school nurses, local grocery store dietitians and other community members. Smithson has worked as the community dietitian with the health department for 21 years, with responsibilities that include educating consumers about healthy eating and active living through a media venue.