Nutrition & Wellness

Colorful overhead photo of salad with mixed greens and vegetables

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. A variety of health and wellness programs and training opportunities are available for community groups, childcare providers, school food service and employers interested in worksite-wellness programs. 

Unsure if your pressure canner gauge is accurate? We offer free pressure canner testing. 

Healthy Eats and Repeat is a blog highlighting food, recipes and ideas for a healthy lifestyle.

Baby being spoonfed

Feeding My Baby - Cradle to Table

How do you know what, when and how to feed your baby?
Healthy cooking with cookbook

Recipes for Diabetes

Fun and nutritious recipes to help you manage your health.
Graphic for In the Kitchen Youtube playlist

Recipes, webinars and more

Recipes, kitchen safety videos, past webinars are available now.

Roasted turkey with meat thermometer inserted

Food Safety

Protect your family from foodborne illness by knowing what precautions to take.
Blueberry jam.

Food Preservation

Learn how to safely preserve and store your fresh fruits and vegetables.

Home preserved jars of food for sale.

Cottage Foods

Illinois Cottage Food Operation information.

Kitchen Question?

Not sure how long you can keep eggs? How long to thaw a turkey? Or what to do with refrigerated food after a power outage?
Submit your question here for research-based answers you can trust. 

Request a Class 

Interested in setting up a class, training or work-site wellness program? Please submit this form to the Nutrition and Wellness Educator Caitlin Mellendorf or call 217-877-6042. Or reach out to one of our educators around the state to learn more.

Multiple Sessions

  • Meals for a Healthy Heart: Diet and lifestyle can help manage high blood pressure and cholesterol.
  • I On Diabetes: Talk about diabetes prevention and management, and practice meal planning.
  • Yes! You Can: Learn how to preserve food from canning to freezing to dehydration.

Group Trainings

  • Certified Food Protection Manager Training: Food service staff can gain the minimum classroom work needed to sit for the national certification exam.
  • Putting Wellness to Work: Teach employees about health and wellness topics for navigating healthy lifestyles.
  • Childcare Providers: Continuing education through Gateways for childcare providers.
  • ABCs of School Nutrition: Free training for school food service staff on a variety of topics for USDA required continuing education.

Single Lessons

  • Best Bang for Your Food Buck: Save money on your food bill through meal planning and smart shopping.
  • Cooking for 1 or 2: Plan meals, shop and cook nutritious meals for yourself and someone else.
  • Balancing Better Bites: Learn ways to snack healthier between meals.
  • Meals for Diabetes: Discuss meal planning for diabetes.
  • Bringing Back the Basics: Try your hand at making something new!
    Classes: Salsa Making, Cheese Making, Freezer Meals, Quick Breads.
  • Through the Aisles Tour: Take a tour of a grocery store for tips on healthy shopping and meal planning.
  • Bring Your Goals to Life: Set achievable goals for your health and discuss ways to reach them in a support group setting. Return in 6 months to celebrate your successes.
  • Dining Out Without Filling Out: Identify healthier meal choices and substitutions for when you eat out.

Learn More

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