URBANA, Ill. — University of Illinois Extension is launching its new Health and Community Wellness (HCW) program area to better meet the needs of Illinois residents as communities and families face challenges related to health, food and nutrition, family relationships, and financial well-being.
Housed within the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, Illinois Extension connects the research and expertise of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with communities in all 102 Illinois counties.
HCW combines and expands the work of Extension’s former Family and Consumer Sciences and Integrated Health Disparities teams into a single program area built for greater impact.
“We carefully assessed our strengths within Illinois Extension and identified where communities need us most, now and in the future,” said Jennifer McCaffrey, assistant dean for Health and Community Wellness. “This strategic alignment allows us to focus our efforts on key issues in Illinois, where we can make the biggest difference for families across the state.”
Under this umbrella, the HCW team will:
- Deliver research-based programming aligned with local needs and community health priorities, building upon Extension’s strengths and partnerships in nutrition and food security, food systems, chronic disease prevention, aging, and financial wellness.
- Improve outcomes and efficiency through a streamlined staffing model, increased digital educational opportunities, and expanded use of proven outreach methods, such as train-the-trainer education and community capacity-building initiatives.
- Integrate research and teaching initiatives across Extension, the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign by working with faculty, expanding student learning opportunities, and continuing to build workforce development initiatives.
Center for Food Systems, Nutrition Security, and Health Integration
One of the first initiatives for the HCW team is the new Center for Food Systems, Nutrition Security, and Health Integration. Opening in July 2026, the center is a statewide strategic hub for Illinois Extension, focusing on research, innovation, and leadership across food systems, nutrition security, and community health.
"Food systems, nutrition, and community health are deeply connected, and so are the solutions," said Germán Bollero, dean of the College of ACES. "By bringing together the expertise of the College of ACES with the statewide reach of Illinois Extension, this center strengthens our ability to serve communities through research, education, and engagement."
The center's mission is to connect farmers, partners, and communities with research, training, and practical solutions that strengthen Illinois food systems, improve nutrition security, protect the environment, and enhance the health and well-being of people and ecosystems across Illinois and beyond. In the coming year, the center is excited to launch projects focused on farm-to-school, food navigation, and training for rural healthcare workers.
Matthew Vann, director of Illinois Extension, said the center builds on Extension’s longstanding role as a trusted partner in communities across Illinois.
“We’re excited about the next phase of Extension programming in health and wellness,” he said. “This is a great opportunity for impactful programming through deeper partnerships across Extension and the state of Illinois. It exemplifies how Illinois Extension can serve the citizens of every community. We look forward to seeing growth in our Health and Community Wellness program.”
SOURCE: Jennifer McCaffrey, assistant dean for Health and Community Wellness, University of Illinois Extension
WRITER: Beth Peralta, senior program lead for digital education strategy, Health and Community Wellness, University of Illinois Extension; Lauren Quinn, assistant director of communications, College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences
EDITOR: Herbert Chavez, media communications coordinator, Illinois Extension
University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 500 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through five program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, health and community wellness, and natural resources, environment, and energy.