University of Illinois Extension’s new Health and Community Wellness team is continuing efforts to improve health and quality of life across Fulton, Mason, Peoria, and Tazewell counties. Building on the strong foundation established through SNAP-Education, the team focuses on helping communities address health needs, strengthen food systems, and create environments that make healthy choices easier.
Locally, the team includes Food and Health Systems Educator Rebecca Crumrine and Community Outreach Advisor Julie Dantone. While the team’s structure and programming have evolved, its commitment to community partnerships remains unchanged.
"Although our funding and program model have changed, our commitment to supporting healthy communities remains as strong as ever," said Crumrine. "We know that lasting change happens through collaboration, and we are excited to continue working alongside partners to address local health priorities."
Current efforts include collaborating with local coalitions, supporting food access initiatives, connecting residents to resources, and delivering educational programs that promote healthy lifestyles. Community members may continue to see familiar programs such as Illinois Junior Chef, alongside new offerings focused on mindfulness, physical activity, and overall wellness. The team also remains engaged in food access efforts in the region through partnerships such as CJ’s Harvest On-the-Go and the new pilot program Find Food IL Navigators.
The Fulton, Mason, Peoria, and Tazewell Health and Community Wellness team is focused on advancing work in several key areas, including food access, community healthcare connections, aging community systems, reducing social isolation, and health education. As these priorities continue to take shape, the team’s immediate focus remains on supporting local partners, coalitions, and community-led efforts that improve health and wellbeing for residents across the region.
"The programs may evolve, but our focus remains on people," said Dantone. "By listening to communities and working alongside local partners, we can continue helping residents access resources, build healthy habits, and strengthen the connections that support overall wellbeing."
Photo caption - Julie Dantone (left), is a member of the new Health and Community Wellness team within Illinois Extension. The HCW team will build on the foundation established through SNAP-Education and focus on helping communities address health needs, strengthen food systems, and create environments that make healthy choices easier. Julie is pictured above at an adult program held at St. Matthews garden at OSF Center for Health.
Meet the Authors
Rebecca Crumrine joined the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)-Education team in October of 2017. Rebecca moved into the SNAP-Education Program Coordinator position in January of 2019 with unit-wide responsibilities and unit educator in December 2022. These roles come with the ability to expand her positive impact through work that helps improve the policies, systems, and environments that influence healthy eating and physical activity. Rebecca collaborates with partners such as food pantries, schools, and health departments. Her work helps to impact families where they eat, learn, live, shop, and play so the healthier choice can become the easier choice to make.
Prior to her work with Extension, Julie Dantone was self-employed most of her life, owning and operating an old glass greenhouse over ten thousand square feet. Julie became a University of Illinois Master Gardener in 2012. Julie started working at University of Illinois Extension in May 2019 as a Snap-Ed Community Worker. She enjoys the work and finds it very fulfilling.
About Extension Snapshots
Extension Snapshots are monthly impact reports that share the stories of our programs in Fulton, Mason, Peoria, and Tazewell counties. To have them delivered to you directly sign up using our E-blast registration.