Community Resiliency

Blog Posts
female owner working in floral shop
What I Wish I had Known Before Starting My Business - Part 1
Starting a business is often glamorized. You picture creative freedom, financial independence, and the pride of building something from the ground up...
Traffic circle with tower in Marion, IL
Placemaking: Building community around the places we share
What makes a town feel like home? One key indicator of a strong, resilient community is placemaking. The...
storefront on corner of block with mural on wall
How a revived downtown space strengthened community ties and local prosperity
Across many small towns, revitalization often begins with one simple but powerful spark: someone deciding to reinvest in a long-neglected space. This...
A muddy dirt road runs between two farm fields leading to an old abandoned hog house.
Farm Finance Series: The current situation and a look at history
With lower grain prices, higher interest rates, and increased production costs, some farms are facing a challenging financial situation. According to...
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News Releases
Carly Whorton presenting at 2025 grocer summit
Illinois Extension hosts second annual Independent Grocer Summit
CARTERVILLE, Ill. — The Southern Illinois Food Access Initiative, a program of Illinois Extension, is hosting the second annual Independent Grocer Summit at John A. Logan College on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026. This annual event pulls together independent grocery store owners...
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Videos
From Local Ingredients to Hearty Meals: Supporting Veterans with IL-EATS

The Joseph Center is a transitional living facility that empowers veterans to achieve self-sufficiency. With support from the IL-EATS program, chefs at The Joseph Center turn local ingredients into hearty, home-cooked meals that nourish veterans and support their journey toward independence....

IL-EATS Delivers Dignity, Local Food, and an Applesauce Surprise

At the Collinsville food pantry, Director Stacy Jones makes sure every client is treated with dignity. With help from IL-EATS, they’re able to provide high-quality, locally sourced food that aligns with their mission. One client loved the applesauce—and received a heartwarming surprise when she...

Staff