Food Access

Illinois Nutrition Education Programs

Making the healthy choice an easy choice where families eat, learn, live, shop, and play.

Illinois Nutrition Education Programs provide nutrition education to individuals and families in communities around Illinois. This program is provided as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education.

By providing easy solutions through in-person lessons and online resources, this program makes the healthy choice an easy choice where families eat, learn, live, shop, and play. Programs are based on current research and engage learners in practical, hands-on classes and activities.

Program staff also partner with local organizations as part of the overall effort to promote healthier settings and food choices. By focusing on improving food access, increasing the likelihood of healthy choices, and helping families save more money, we are making a difference in the lives of Illinois families and their communities.

Are you interested in learning more? Contact one of our local staff members below.

Learn More

Food on shelves

Find Food Illinois access sites near you

This interactive map can help you locate food pantries, school and summer meal sites, senior food resources, and more, all in your area.
cut up vegetables on a plate and cutting board

Eat healthy with MyPlate

Remember the Food Guide Pyramid? It was great for its time, but much has changed since 1992. USDA invites you to update to MyPlate. It’s the modern way to eat better every day. It’s easy to use, customizable, based on science, and an overall great way to enjoy healthier eating.   Launched in 2011, MyPlate’s symbol is a simple visual reminder to choose a variety of foods throughout the day and throughout the week. It represents what and how much to eat from each of the food groups over the course of the day, whether you eat on a plate, from a bowl, or another way.  
Four people eating salad at a table smiling

Explore Eat.Move.Save.

Make healthier choices on any budget. Find foods that taste great and are easy to prepare. Engage in fun activities for the whole family. 
Get smart shopping tips to keep more money in your pocket. 

Food safety and disasters.

Be prepared Cleaning the kitchen
someone holding a lot of strawberries

Food Safety

It is essential to know what to do with perishable foods when long-term outages happen.
Bubbles in water

Boil Orders

Boil-water advisories are public announcements by local water authorities advising the public to boil tap water for drinking and other human consumption uses.
3 prong plug in on wooden floor

No Electricity

Put together nutritious meals, even when access to refrigeration or electric appliances is unavailable for days or weeks.

We are here to help.