Food brings greater understanding to international cultures
URBANA, Ill – A team of Illinois Extension 4-H youth development educators flipped the traditional learning experience with an innovative outreach program that earned the University of Illinois Extension Excellence in Innovation Award. “Culture, Cuisine, Conversation” is a hands-on self-...

Certified Food Protection Manager course coming to Eureka
EUREKA, 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...

New location for Extension’s Diabetes Clinic on slow cooker meals
EUREKA, Ill. – Do you wish you used your slow cooker more often? Are you unsure of what foods you can create with it? Join University of Illinois Extension for their monthly “Diabetes Clinic – Using Your Slow Cooker” class from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 16 at a new location, Eureka...

Tips for entering the cottage food business
URBANA, Ill. — Last year, the Home-to-Market Act, a set of legislative updates to the Cottage Food Law, came into effect in Illinois. Before this legislation passed, food operators could only sell homemade foods...

Livingston County youth sets exciting goal for helping feed Illinois hungry families
BLOOMINGTON, Ill.— Illinois 4-H member Libby Larkin of Livingston County knows that hard work and dedication can make a lasting positive impact in local communities. The senior in high school is ready to take her advocacy work to the next level as she sets a goal to package 100,000 meals for...

Teens named to take on statewide leadership role
Urbana, Ill. – Seven Illinois teens have a new way to make their voices heard on a statewide platform through the Illinois 4-H Youth Leadership Team. The team is comprised of 20...

Chick It Out Embryology with 4-H STEAM in the Classroom
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. - University of Illinois Extension McLean County STEAM in the Classroom’s Chick It Out Embryology Program is a long-standing tradition that successfully promotes agriculture in local schools and throughout the...

Register NOW for Home, Lawn, and Garden Day - a day of gardening fun and learning!
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – Be inspired to plant a pollinator garden or patio container, fall in love with a new plant at the garden centers this year, or even learn the basics of everyday gardening at the University of Illinois Extension McLean County Master Gardeners’ 21st annual Home, Lawn, and...

Outstanding Illinois 4-H teens selected as national delegates
ATLANTA, GA -- Ten teens from Illinois attended a five-day national conference in Atlanta, GA designed to expand their skills, engage with other 4-H members, and provide inspiration. Delegates to National 4-H Congress are selected on their...

Give someone a green holiday season with the gift of plants
URBANA, Ill. – If picking the perfect holiday gift stresses you out, this year visit your local garden center for a natural gift that keeps on giving. Gardening and growing plants is an experiential gift that is both rewarding and fun. If you are gifting a plant this season, remember to...

Ensuring access for all, Extension adds DEIA leadership
URBANA, Ill. – A new leadership position will guide University of Illinois Extension’s efforts to ensure its programs are relevant, inclusive, and accessible to all of Illinois’ diverse residents and communities. ...

Illinois 4-H Livestock Quiz Bowl Team named fourth in the nation
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The Illinois State 4-H Livestock Quiz Bowl Team was named fourth in the nation at the National 4-H Livestock Quiz Bowl Contest held in conjunction with the North American International Livestock Exposition in Louisville, Ky.   ...

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 Blake and...

4-H youth help reach those in need locally
URBANA, Ill. – 4-H is invested in feeding hungry families, and youth are leading the way. The 4-H Food Advocacy Grants program is aimed at helping youth become food advocates right in their own communities. The grants provide financial support to youth-led projects aimed at increasing...

Team attitudes prevail at youth rifle competition
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – The best teenage 4-H rifle shooters from Illinois gathered to compete in small bore rifle and air rifle competition at the 2022 4-H State Rifle Shoot held at Central Illinois Precision Shooters on Oct. 8. The rifle shooting sports discipline involves both precision...

McLean County youth selected as runner-up for National 4-H award
BLOOMINGTON, Ill.  – National 4-H Council today announced Avani Rai of McLean County is a runner up for the 2023 4-H Youth in Action Pillar Award for Healthy Living. She is recognized nationally for her commitment to addressing...

Extension Master Gardener Conference reaffirms value of community horticulture
JOLIET, Ill. – Illinois volunteers were welcomed to Chicagoland for the Illinois Master Gardener State Conference in Tinley Park Sept. 9 as they returned to in-person training.  “We are excited to again gather over 280 volunteers from across the state for our annual conference,” says...

Extend the season with fall flowers for your beds, borders, and containers
URBANA, Ill. – Fall blooming plants extend the season of our gardens after many plants have dried up or are done blooming for the year. They are also a much-needed food source for pollinators who are still foraging and getting ready for winter. Prolong the floral show in your yard with...

Build money management skills early for a solid financial future
URBANA, Ill. — Building positive money habits early in life paves the way for long-term financial stability, but navigating topics such as spending, saving, investing, and managing debt can feel overwhelming, especially for young adults who are tackling financial responsibilities for the first...