Mari was hired to the University of Illinois Extension EFNEP team in 2016 and joined SNAP-Ed in 2021. She became the second English-Spanish bilingual team member in our Unit.

“I teach nutrition program to children, teens, and adults in the Peoria area. I teach them how to cook and exercise as well as encourage them to be healthy. My goal is to give them a better view of a healthy lifestyle they can use every day.”

HONORS AND ACHIEVEMENTS

• University of Illinois Extension EFNEP, teamwork award for teen cooking schools 2019

EXTENSION FOCUS AREAS

• CATCH Program for Children
• Cooking Matters for Teens
• Food Pantries
• Adult Cooking Classes

EXAMPLES OF MARI'S PROGRAM PARTNERS

• Friendship House Mom's Group
• Peoria High School Bilingual Class
• Richwoods High School Bilingual Class
• Catholic Charities Food Pantry
• Thomas Jefferson Primary School
• Glen Oak Primary School
• Hidden Manna Food Pantry
• Just for Today Alcoholics Anonymous Group
• 4 to 5 Step Alcoholics Anonymous Group

Learn More

What I Do and Why It Matters: Mari Lopez