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.

Reduce Your Food Waste

Looking for ways to cut back on food waste and save money in the process? Visit our Reducing Food Waste page to explore practical tips, helpful resources, and creative ideas to make the most of the food you buy. From smarter shopping and storage to using leftovers in new ways, you’ll find tools to help you waste less and eat well. Start making small changes that can have a big impact on your wallet and the planet!

Learn more by viewing our Reducing Food Waste page.

Upcoming Events

Breadmaking 101 at Rantoul Public Library

Curious about baking your own bread? Join Nutrition and Wellness Educator Rachel Mannen at Rantoul Public Library (106 W Flessner Ave, Rantoul, IL 61866) on May 30th at 1 PM to learn the basics of breadmaking. This workshop will cover essential techniques and tips to help you bake delicious homemade bread. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your skills, this session is perfect for you.

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Learn to Can!

Master the art of canning! Join Illinois Extension Nutrition and Wellness Educator Rachel Mannen for three canning workshops on June 25th, July 22nd, and August 21st from 9 AM to 12 PM at 201 W. Kenyon Road, Suite 3, Champaign, IL 61820. Learn valuable skills to preserve your harvest and enjoy delicious homemade canned goods year-round. You'll practice your skills by making your jam, pickles, and salsa jars! Each workshop has a $15 fee that helps cover your canning materials.

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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.