Addressing food insecurity and its impact on health
URBANA, Ill. – Hunger is a condition in which people do not get enough food to provide the necessary nutrients to lead active and productive lives. Food insecurity, on the other hand, refers to economic and social conditions that limit access to safe and nutritious food in sufficient quantities...
Pursuing excellence: Staff named Extension’s best
URBANA, Ill. – University of Illinois Extension serves as a statewide network with a presence in every Illinois county, linking communities, businesses, and the public to the intensive research and resources of the university and its partners.
Extension’s 650 staff members live in the...
Best medicine includes healthy veggies; Macon County garden wins top award
URBANA, Ill. – Healthy food can improve health outcomes. A team of University of Illinois Extension staff in Macon County combined efforts to improve food access for participants in Crossing Healthcare’s Prescription Produce Program.
Their efforts earned the team Extension’s...
Boost gut health with a tangy treat: Make sauerkraut at home
URBANA, Ill. – Probiotic-rich foods can enhance digestion and improve overall gut health. All are produced through fermentation, a food preservation method that has been used for thousands of years to naturally reduce the risk of food spoilage and foodborne illness. Common foods include ...
What is driving the high suicide rate among farmers?
URBANA, Ill. — Josie Rudolphi is a professor of agricultural and biological engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign whose research examined suicide among farmers...
Illinois receives $14.4M to create local food system for underserved populations
URBANA, Ill. - Illinois will use $14.4 million in USDA funding to buy locally-produced food and distribute it to those in need, according to state officials. The two-year program will involve direct purchases from eligible farmers and multiple aggregation sites where goods will be consolidated...
Protect your holiday baking traditions with 4 food safety tips
URBANA, Ill. – Holiday baking brings family and friends together and creates lasting memories as friends share recipes, stories, and meaningful time together. Amid the flurry of flour-covered countertops and mountains of messy mixing bowls, keep food safety in mind.
“Baking and...
Study shows the power of 'thank you' for couples
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Gratitude has been a trendy sentiment in recent years – sparking an industry of journals, knickknacks, and T-shirts touting thankfulness as a positive force in individuals’ lives.
New research suggests that gratitude from one’s partner may be a powerful tool for couples...
Teens take on new challenges as statewide healthy living ambassadors
URBANA, Ill. – Nine Illinois teens stand ready to take on new challenges as they begin their work on the 4-H Healthy Living Ambassador (HLA) team.
The HLA team is comprised of 4-H members ages 13-19 who were chosen for their ability to lead, mentor, and teach in order to inspire others...
New project to boost youth health data literacy skills
URBANA, Ill. – A project to increase the health data literacy of youth has received funding through the University’s Extension Collaboration Grant Program. Assistant professor Rachel M. Magee will lead the project, "Health Data Literacy Ambassadors," with associate professors Catherine...
Improve well-being, health with 5 life lessons
URBANA, Ill. – Continued learning through all stages of life helps us to thrive physically, mentally, and financially. No matter your age, learn valuable life lessons in five monthly workshops which continue a tradition of supporting Illinois residents and communities with relevant and easy-to-...
New translation specialist improves Extension’s outreach to multilingual communities
URBANA, Ill. – For more than 100 years, University of Illinois Extension has translated on-campus research into practical tools and information to help communities across the state solve problems. Now, that power of translation will give multilingual communities in Illinois full access to...
Be prepared when disaster strikes
URBANA, Ill. – Disasters don't operate on a schedule, but pre-planning can help families and communities prepare for unexpected emergencies. A series of five workshops by University of Illinois Extension will outline proactive steps to take...
Develop a disaster plan: Be prepared when disaster strikes
URBANA, Ill. – Floods, fire, tornadoes, and storms can put lives at risk, damage property, and shut down power. Building a household emergency plan is an important step to help individuals and families safely cope during emergencies, but knowing where to start can be...
Produce donation program improves health and nutrition at food pantries
URBANA, Ill. – Food pantries provide much needed relief for food insecure individuals and families. But pantries often rely on donations of canned and packaged foods with limited nutritional value. Growing Together Illinois, a program from Illinois...
Feed your community by safely donating homegrown fruits, vegetables
URBANA, Ill. – When home gardens are bursting with an overabundance of fresh produce, growers start looking for ways to share their bounty. Backyard gardeners can help feed their community by donating fruits and vegetables to local food pantries.
Growers planning on...
Learn what research reveals for current health challenges
URBANA, Ill. – The rush of summer activities can interrupt healthy routines. Researchers from University of Illinois can help guide your summer health choices. A series of seven workshops will dive into a wide range of topics, from fitness to brain health.
The free online...
Researchers: Farmers know tick risks; now is time to take preventative actions
URBANA, Ill. – Ticks, once limited to the northeast region of the United States, are making a westward migration across the U.S. and with them, tickborne diseases that cost the healthcare system up to $1.3 billion a year to treat. Exposure to ticks can happen anywhere - from backyards to parks...
