Jan Martin, Director of Hall Township Food Pantry in Spring Valley, Illinois, is excited to display her new sign and banner provided by University of Illinois Extension. She is pictured with board member, Joe Nagle. Jan stated “Hall Township Food Pantry is so thankful to partner with the University of Illinois Extension, especially during a pandemic. Through the use of visuals, they continue to educate and encourage healthy eating. We are most grateful.”

 Last year Hall Township food pantry served 3,653 families in 9 communities. Given the current economic situation they are on track to serve many more families and even more communities as they assist local citizens who have had a new change in income and also help other food pantries in need.  Local food pantries are utilizing a drive thru/pick up model to minimize contact due to COVID-19 and the University of Illinois Extension Illinois Nutrition Education program of Marshall, Putnam, LaSalle and Bureau Counties is providing outdoor signs (through a special grant) with healthy messages to local food pantries as a new way to support partners during this difficult time.

 If you are interested in learning more about how to partner with University of Illinois Extension for educational programming focusing on healthy nutrition & lifestyles including food budgeting and food safety, please call Sherry Todas, Program Coordinator, at (815 )875-2878.

For more information call University of Illinois Extension – Bureau, LaSalle, Marshall, Putnam Unit Office at 815-224-0889. Extension offices are located in Princeton, Ottawa, Henry and in Oglesby on the IVCC campus. The Mission of University of Illinois Extension is to provide practical education you can trust to help people, businesses and communities solve problems, develop skills and build a better future. University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. Visit our website at https://extension.illinois.edu/blmp