Home Food Events

Events

Healthy food choices lead to healthier lives.

As your friends and neighbors, Extension educators are here to help guide your food preparation, safety, and nutrition questions. Many of our workshops are offered in your local community. Several workshops are featured as live online webinars and videos. Join our mailing list to be notified of upcoming workshops.

A white marble surface, including a jar of active starter, a bowl of flour with a sifter, a bowl of yeast, wheat stalks, and a freshly baked sourdough loaf.

Starting a Sourdough Starter

County: Christian, Shelby

Ready to dive into the world of sourdough? Join us for a fun, hands-on class where you’ll learn how to create and care for your own sourdough starter from scratch! We’ll break down the science…

Become a Dementia Friend

Lessons for Living Webinar Series 2026
Learn simple, powerful ways to support those with dementia in your community.

More than 7 million Americans have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, and many more live with other forms of…

A graphic featuring fresh fruits and vegetables, sugar cubes, a blue diabetes awareness ribbon, a stethoscope, and insulin syringes on a light blue background.

Diabetes Support Group

Recipe Makeovers
County: Monroe

Are you or someone you care about living with diabetes or at risk for developing diabetes or other chronic conditions?

Join us for sessions with Food and Nutrition Educator and registered…

pumpkins and silverware

Festive Flavors

County: DeWitt, Macon, Piatt

Prepare for the busy cooking season with a fun, hands-on class where you'll make and sample healthy, flavorful dips perfect for holiday gatherings

Register by November 10. 

Wild rice growing outside.

From Water to Table: The History and Health of Wild Rice

County: Cook

Join us for a free interactive workshop exploring the rich cultural heritage and health benefits of wild rice. Learn about the Indigenous cultural connections to this traditional food, discover…

Grocery store

Eat Well-Spend Less

County: Macon, Piatt, DeWitt

Food costs are high! discuss ways to meal plan, budget and shop to stretch your grocery dollars

 

 

Global Gourmet: Africa with a picture of a bowl of asaro, a yam porridge

Global Gourmet: Africa

at Grayslake Area Public Library
County: Lake

Hello, young explorers! Get ready to embark on an exciting journey to Africa without leaving the cozy confines of the library! You’ll have a blast discovering this vibrant continent’s diverse…

A woman talking with a kid

Embracing Differences: Mindfulness that Supports Families of Neurodivergent Children

Community Seminar Series: Autumn Health Picks 2026
Discover how mindfulness can help families of neurodivergent children foster resilience and connection.

Raising a neurodivergent child can bring joys, challenges, and stress to families. This…

A smiling woman in workout clothing holds a green dumbbell while surrounded by fresh fruits, vegetables, leafy greens, and other healthy foods.

Wellness Wednesday

Healthier Twist on Holiday Traditions
County: Monroe

Join University of Illinois Extension for Wellness Wednesday, a monthly series designed to inspire and empower individuals to make healthy choices and support their overall well-being.

Each…

fresh herbs

Where the Flavor's At

County: DeWitt, Macon, Piatt

Tired of preparing the same tasteless foods? Learn how using herbs and spices can amp up the flavor and help home cooks use less fat, sugar, and salt at this free workshop.

Register by…