The Minnesota Dietetic Association named Jen Haugen, Registered Dietitian at Austin Hy-Vee, as the Emerging Dietetic Leader of 2012. The Minnesota Dietetic Association, an affiliate of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, is made up of 1,600 registered and licensed nutrition professionals throughout the state.

Jen Haugen will be honored at a ceremony 5:30 p.m. April 12 at the Minnesota Dietetic Association annual meeting at the Mayo Civic Center in Rochester. Haugen will receive her award from the president of the Minnesota Dietetic Association, Carolyn Suerth Hudson.

The purpose of the Emerging Dietetic Leader award is to recognize the competence and activities of dietitians who have made distinctive contributions early in their dietetics career. The award values strong leadership and concern for promotion of optimal health and nutritional status of all people.

“I am honored and humbled to receive this award and to be recognized among my colleagues,” Haugen said. “My passion has been lit on fire with a purpose to provide opportunities to grow healthier families.”

Haugen spreads the messages of fresh food and fun through weekly Fresh & Simple cooking segments at KAAL-TV, columns for the Austin Daily Herald and through what she calls her proudest professional accomplishment; the development of “Sprouts — Get Out and Grow” garden and cooking program for kids at Hy-Vee.