Find Food IL Navigators

Make a Lasting Impact on Food Security

The Find Food IL Navigator training program provides professionals, community organizations, and volunteers with the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to help Illinois families connect with food assistance. By certifying staff and volunteers as Food Navigators, the Find Food IL Navigator program helps organizations build a stronger workforce to support families and achieve community impact, ultimately improving food security across Illinois. Individuals interested in the program can also sign up to become a certified Food Navigator.

"Food security is healthcare. Find Food IL Navigators help ensure our most vulnerable community members can access the resources they need to thrive." Robin Henry - COO at Solvera Health, Peoria

What Does a Food Navigator Do?
Pen marking checks in boxes in a column

Screen

Individuals and families are identified through food insecurity screening and connected to a Food Navigator.
Blue crates of donated food and household items on a table with a woman reaching in

Connect

The Food Navigator assesses the household's immediate food needs and connects them to high-priority food assistance programs to fill urgent gaps.
Puzzle pieces fitting together

Refer

The Navigator refers families to people and places that offer hands-on application support and can provide ongoing, comprehensive food support.
Woman on an online meeting on her laptop computer

Support

Navigators build relationships with families to offer personalized guidance and ongoing food assistance education, connection, and enrollment support that meet the food needs of all household members, helping families move towards greater food security over time.
    
Find Food IL Community Food Map Navigator graphic

Becoming a Find Food IL Navigator

Getting certified is simple and support is provided each step of the way.

Certification Pathway

  1. Submit Your Interest by completing the Find Food IL Navigator Training Interest Form
  2. Receive Access to Course
  3. Complete Pre-Workshop Modules (approximately 1.5-2 hours)
  4. Attend In-Person Training (4 hours)
  5. Complete Post-Training Requirements
  6. Earn Navigator Certification
  7. Receive Ongoing Education and Support
two women sitting at a table talking together

Ready to Work Together to Build a Stronger Community?

Train Your Team

Partner with us to equip your staff with the knowledge and skills they need to help connect individuals and families with food assistance programs to meet their needs and create lasting impact for your clients and community.

Join our growing network of partners and let's work together to ensure Illinois families have access to the food resources they need!

Fill out the Find Food IL Navigator Training Interest Form to receive information about group rates and to host a training for your team. 

Quotes from Illinois residents working with Find Food IL Navigators

"The Find Food IL map has changed the way we grocery shop."
"Thank you for helping my family change the way we eat."
"The tips have really helped me with shopping and my benefits."