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High impact University of Illinois Extension SNAP-Ed programs face elimination
URBANA, Ill. — There are many barriers Illinois residents face in making healthy choices. For over 30 years, University of Illinois Extension’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) programs have helped people stretch their food dollars while increasing their nutrition...
A woman and a girl playing with bubbles
Discover reliable health insights in the Summer Self-Care series
URBANA, Ill. — Technology has improved access to health information, but the spread of misinformation online poses serious risks. To address this, researchers, educators, and communities must work together to ensure people get accurate, evidence-based guidance.The ...
a whitetailed deer running through grass in fall
Hunters Feeding Illinois provides 97,000 meals to Illinois families
URBANA, Ill. — In the 2024-25 hunting season, Hunters Feeding Illinois distributed 25,794 pounds of frozen, ground venison to 54 food pantries across east-central and southern Illinois. This provided an estimated 97,000 meals, reaching nearly 49,800 families.Formerly the Illinois Deer...
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March is Extension Living Well Month
URBANA, Ill. — This March, Illinois residents are invited to take advantage of educational opportunities provided by University of Illinois Extension’s Family and Consumer Sciences team. March 2025 is Extension Living Well Month as...
Nurturing Foundations logo
Learn tips for a healthy pregnancy, toddler nutrition
URBANA, Ill. — The 1,000 days between a person's pregnancy and their child's second birthday offer a unique opportunity to build a healthier and more prosperous future, so knowing how to care for mother and baby during this period is vital. The University of Illinois Extension...
vegetables on a display crate
What is needed to create a long-term sustainable food system for Illinois?
URBANA, Ill. — Illinois food growers, distributors and activists voiced solutions for creating a more resilient and equitable food system in Illinois: support for growers and producers of all experience levels, investment in education and marketing strategies, and advocacy engagement to secure...
Food Protection
Extension offers certified food protection manager course at Heartland
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – Illinois regulations require food establishments to have at least one Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) on staff. University of Illinois Extension offers the Food Protection Manager Certification course and examination, which is required every 5 years. University of...
Canned pickles
5% acidity vinegar is key to safe canning
URBANA, Ill. — There’s a long list of home canned foods that use vinegar as an ingredient, including salsa, pickled vegetables, barbeque sauce, and preserved fruits like apple butter and cantaloupe pickles, as well as canned tomatoes as an acidifier. The vinegar increases acidity, thus lowering...
Family in the kitchen
Promote child independence in the kitchen
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – “As a parent of two kids ages six and nine, I sometimes have to remind myself to stop doing everything for them. Rather it is my job to teach them the important life skills that will set them up for success as they get older and leave the family home,” says Jenna Smith,...
Canned tomatoes
Learn 3 ways to can with confidence
UBBANA, Ill. — One of the best ways to preserve food is canning, a home-based method of food preservation that helps people prolong garden harvests, save on food costs, participate in family traditions, and control the quality of the food they eat. Discover how to can with confidence and...
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