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An ACES alum with a hunger to serve

URBANA, Ill. — When Steve Ericson walked into the Illinois State Fair as a young exhibitor in 1974, he couldn’t have imagined that one day he’d return, not to show livestock, but to help connect Illinois-grown food to families in need. Now, as Executive Director of Feeding Illinois, Ericson…

Microwave frying can help lower oil content for healthier French fries

URBANA, Ill. — Fried foods are popular with consumers, but their high fat content can contribute to health challenges like obesity and hypertension. If the food industry can offer lower-fat options of similar quality, people can more easily make health-conscious food choices.

Researchers…

See safety in action at Stand Up 4 Grain Safety Week Kickoff event in Urbana

URBANA, Ill. — What began as an idea from agricultural industry groups to help ensure safety in the workplace has now become a nationwide movement. Stand Up 4 Grain Safety Week takes place March 30 through April 6, and the 2026 Illinois kickoff event is on-site and livestreamed from the…

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People putting food donation in a box
Keeping food safe amidst food insecurity
URBANA, Ill. — Food insecurity continues to be a major issue in the United States, and the recent lapse in SNAP benefits has worsened struggles for many families. When low-...
A family busy with social media
New family resource helps tackle digital challenges at home
URBANA, Ill. — The advent of smartphones, social media platforms, streaming video sites, and numerous other technological advancements has led to unprecedented changes throughout society, including changes in daily life at home. This rapid change has raised multiple questions and concerns among...
Lessons for Living
Discover practical tools for a healthy, inspiring life
URBANA, Ill. — As people age, they face various challenges affecting their cognitive abilities, social participation, and overall health. Addressing these issues requires a holistic approach that includes healthcare, social support, and financial planning to ensure a dignified and...
Vanessa Jones, Emily Harmon, and Rachel Mannen standing in front of Illinois Extension display
Local Extension Family and Consumer Science Team Honored
GRAND RAPIDS, Mic. – This October, members of the Illinois Extension Family and Consumer Science team serving Champaign, Ford, Iroquois, and Vermilion counties were honored at the National Extension Association for Family and Consumer Sciences (...
Tracy Bowden sorting through food drive donations
University of Illinois Holiday Food Drive Comes to a Successful End
CHAMPAIGN, Ill – For several weeks, staff of the Champaign County Extension office have witnessed dozens of individuals bring in bags and bags of shelf-stable items for the Holiday Food Drive. The Holiday Food Drive was launched to help feed families and individuals in need throughout Champaign...
Don't Go It Alone: Improving Your Social Connections w group of older adults
Illinois Extension Offers Free Social Isolation Workshop
URBANA, Ill - In partnership with Salt & Light Ministry and CRIS Healthy Aging, Illinois Extension Family Life presents Don’t Go It Alone: Improving Your Social Connections. Join Illinois Extension Family Life Educator Emily Harmon on Tuesday, December 2, at 10 – 11 AM at Salt...
4-H Teen leaders
4-H Teen Leaders Travel to University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
VIENNA, Ill. — Forty-six 4-H Teen Leaders representing five southern Illinois high schools traveled to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) from Oct. 16–18 for an immersive, three-day college and career exploration experience hosted by University of Illinois...
yellow and orange pumpkins with smiley faces
Coming together for a gourd time for five years
Lincoln Memorial Picnic Grounds was a busy spot this week as families attended Illinois Extension’s fifth annual Pumpkin Extravaganza event. Over 115 attendees came out to the park to learn about pumpkins, taste pumpkin treats, make pumpkin crafts, and play games.  Twelve different stations...

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College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences Illinois Extension

101 Mumford Hall (MC-710)

1301 W. Gregory Dr.

Urbana, IL 61801

Email: extension@illinois.edu

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