CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Illinois Extension is excited to announce Jenny Spinks as the new Illinois Nutrition Education Program administrator for Champaign, Ford, Iroquois, and Vermilion counties. Spinks, who brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to community health, is eager to support INEP's mission of promoting healthier eating habits and improving access to nutritious food for residents of all ages.

Spinks’ journey to this role began over a decade ago as a community worker with the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program. Driven to make a meaningful impact, she discovered a passion for community engagement. “Ten years ago, I was a community worker in EFNEP,” Spinks recalls. “I had decided that I wanted to do more for my community. I really enjoyed the job. I learned so much from the people. I learned probably more than they learned from me.”

After earning her degree, Spinks became a SNAP-Ed program coordinator, working closely with schools to promote healthier food options in cafeterias and food pantries. “Anything to help people to eat healthier where they are,” she explains. Most recently, she served with Childcare Resource Services on campus, adding further breadth to her understanding of community needs.

“We are thrilled with the experience she brings to the program,” said Ginger Boas, Extension county director. “Jenny has strong connections in communities across Champaign, Ford, Iroquois, and Vermilion counties, and she’ll be instrumental in strengthening and expanding these relationships to better serve our residents.”

Spinks is especially excited to continue working with INEP, believing in the power of INEP's messages to benefit people of all ages. “Getting out in the community and having engaging programming is key,” she shares.  “Many of the nutrition classes go beyond just the nutrition aspect. They come the first day for the nutrition, but they come back for that group feeling.”

As the new INEP Administrator, Spinks’ priorities will focus on expanding the program's reach and supporting the dedicated staff who deliver essential nutrition education to the community. 

“I think the first thing will be to help spread our program's reach through all our communities. Support and mentor the staff. Make more connections within the community and spread out to reach as many people as possible.”

With her established connections across Champaign, Ford, Iroquois, and Vermilion counties, Spinks plans to maintain active partnerships and respond to community needs. “It’s about ensuring that if they need programming, we reach out to them,” she notes. “For me, it’s going to a meeting, interacting, and spreading the word, and never stop talking about it. We’ve got amazing staff, and it’s about getting them out there.”

Illinois Extension is thrilled to welcome Jenny Spinks in this vital role, where she will continue to foster a culture of health and wellness through INEP's impactful programs.

For more information about the Illinois Nutrition Education Program and available programming, visit go.illinois.edu/cfivINEP or call our office at 217-353-0740.