BOURBONNAIS, Ill. — Each month University of Illinois Extension serving Grundy, Kankakee, and Will counties sits down with an Extension staff member to discuss their work and impact in the community.
This month's spotlight features Morgan Roberts, food and health systems educator serving Grundy, Kankakee, and Will counties. In this role, Roberts advises and supports partner organizations and communities in creating policies and systems that make food access easier.
How long have you worked with Illinois Extension and what do you like most about your job?
"I have been with Illinois Extension since December of 2024. What I like most about my role is that it allows me to work with a wide range of community partners to address community needs in unique ways. It is fulfilling to collaborate with others to strengthen our communities."
Extension is heavily focused on community impact - Can you tell us about a project you are excited about that you have completed or are currently planning that will help the community?
"This year we are entering our second rendition of our canned food drive in collaboration with the Joliet Slammers and the Will County Health Department to raise awareness and help stock our local Will County micro pantries! Last year we piloted this event and were able to fully stock six micro pantries with food, hygiene products, and even baby supplies! This year we are expanding our donation window and will be increasing our education on what micro pantries are and how they help our neighbors. I am so excited to see this project continue to grow and share more about our future successes."
What does Extension's Mission and Vision mean to you and how do those ideas connect with your own values or goals in your role?
"We have a very powerful mission and vision here at Extension. To me what resonates most is our dedication to lifelong learning and building community resiliency. I personally and professionally value reputable, and research backed information and fostering strong united communities."
What is your favorite Extension program or resource and why?
"Being part of the Health and Community Wellness team I am biased towards all our wonderful resources about food and nutrition! We offer community classes that teach the basics of cooking, food safety, and everything in between. Our website is filled with delicious healthy recipes, blogs, and even a full page dedicated to canning and preserving food. I find our site to be super helpful and easy to understand."
Outside of work, what are some of your favorite hobbies?
"Outside of work you can most likely find me spending time trying out new coffee shops with my husband, going for long walks with my friends, or eating cozy meals with my family!"
EDITOR: Anthony Warmack, communications and marketing coordinator, Illinois Extension.
SOURCE: Morgan Roberts, food and health systems educator, Illinois Extension.
MEDIA ACCESS: For press inquiries, contact Anthony Warmack, warmacka@illinois.edu, 217-244-5813. Want to keep in touch with news from Illinois Extension? Sign up for press updates.
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.