Nutrition and Wellness

From food safety to nutrition to chronic disease prevention and management, Illinois Extension is committed to helping individuals and families live the best versions of their lives. Various health and wellness programs and training opportunities are available for community groups, childcare providers, school food services, and employers interested in worksite wellness programs.

Discover the Perfect Turkey Meal!

Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned chef, Illinois Extension has you covered. Explore expert tips on choosing, thawing, cooking, and carving your turkey, plus safe leftover use and side-dish inspiration. Visit Extension's turkey website and make your next holiday meal smoother, safer and tastier!

Upcoming Events

Taking Care of Diabetes Together

Discover how to explain diabetes in a way that truly connects. Join Illinois Extension for this webinar series on October 30, November 6, and November 13 to learn about diabetes management strategies through nutrition, activity, and support.

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Eating Well as You Age | Who Gets Grandma's Yellow Pie Plate?

Double Feature to Windsor of Savoy

Join University of Illinois Extension for a Double Feature on Thursday, November 6, from 1–3 p.m. at The Windsor of Savoy (401 Burwash Ave, Savoy). Enjoy Eating Well as You Age for healthy eating tips, then Who Gets Grandma’s Yellow Pie Plate? to learn fair, caring ways to make decisions about meaningful family items. Attend one or both sessions!

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Building a Healthy Charcuterie Board at Danville Public Library

Join Illinois Extension on November 8 from 11 AM–1 PM at the Danville Public Library for a fun, hands-on charcuterie board workshop. Learn how to select wholesome ingredients, arrange a balanced spread, and create your own beautiful board to enjoy. Perfect for entertaining or everyday snacking!

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Free Pressure Canner Testing

Dial pressure canner gauges need to be tested once a year. Over time, a dial gauge’s calibration can become inaccurate and show an incorrect pressure. If the pressure is even slightly lower than recommended, the internal temperature of the food will not be high enough to kill all the bacteria, and harmful toxins can build up and cause illness or death.

To get your pressure canner dial gauge tested, drop off your lid at any of our county offices. Once the lid is tested, you will be contacted about the results and for pick up.

Pressure canner testing is available at other Extension offices around the state as well. For more home preservation resources, visit the state Pressure Canning page. Questions? Feel free to reach out to our educator, Rachel Mannen!

Connect With Us!

State Health Website - Every day can be a good day when we balance all the dimensions of our wellness. We often rush through our day taking care of everyone who needs us. Living well means taking time for ourselves so we can be healthy for others who need us. Let Extension sort through all the information and offer you practical, trustworthy ways to improve all aspects of your wellness. Small steps can add up to big changes. Let's make the wellness journey together.
Food Website - We know you want healthy meals for your family. You need simple, healthy options; instead, you're bombarded with nutrition claims everywhere you turn. You're unsure what to believe and who to trust. Eating healthy shouldn't be this hard. At Illinois Extension, we take the guesswork out of nutrition. Our educators provide unbiased, research-based information and make it easy to understand. We have nothing to sell, so all you get are the facts. Then, you confidently choose what works for you and the people you love.
Managing Diabetes - Diabetes is a disease where glucose in the blood is higher than normal. Glucose is a kind of sugar that comes from foods. Foods that have glucose in them include carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are foods like apples, potatoes, and other vegetables, fruits, or dairy.
Blood glucose that is too high is called hyperglycemia. Glucose is carried through the blood and is used for energy.
Feeding MY Baby - Giving birth to a child is both exciting and scary, and you want to make the best decisions about your child’s well-being. The advice given by family, friends and the media can be overwhelming and confusing. How do you know what, when and how to feed your baby? When is the best time to start feeding your baby solid foods? How do you know when your baby is hungry or full? This University of Illinois Extension website provides expert information to put you at ease when feeding your baby.