PEKIN, Ill. - The large impact that hunger plays in the health of our communities is something that University of Illinois Extension Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-Ed) works to promote in all their work. In March of 2022, Illinois SNAP-Ed had the chance to do this on a larger scale through hosting two Hunger & Health Conferences for charitable food partners and other organizations in Springfield and Oglesby. SNAP-Ed staff serving Fulton, Mason, Peoria, and Tazewell counties played an integral role in coordinating the conferences.
“The conferences provided opportunities for people to learn how to connect to sources of local produce, the impact collaboration can give to your work, the importance of a healthy food policy, and how to adopt a trauma informed approach to food dignity,” stated Rebecca Crumrine, local SNAP-Ed program coordinator. “There was also a chance to hear from food banks across the state in lightning talks.“
During the Hunger & Health Conferences, local work being done in our counties was recognized when partners from the tri-county Healthy Eating Active Living-Food System Partners (HEAL-FSP) helped to present including Midwest Food Bank Peoria, Peoria Area Food Bank, Illinois Public Health Institute, & Tazewell County Health Department (TCHD).
Some other volunteers & organizations also received awards recognizing the great work done locally.
Local Award Winners:
· Outstanding Health Equity Leader
Food Pantry Network– Heart of Illinois (HOI), co-leads TCHD & U of I Extension Fulton-Mason-Peoria-Tazewell Unit SNAP-Ed
· Volunteers of the Year
Karen Rose, Food Pantry Network - HOI
Sandy Anton, Neighborhood House/Food Pantry Network - HOI
· Innovative Food Pantry Programming
Sophia's Kitchen—Peoria, IL
“I was so excited to accept the Outstanding Health Equity Leader award for Food Pantry Network–HOI,” co-lead Shanita Wallace stated. “The recognition of the innovative work this collaboration is doing to serve our community, reach limited resource audiences, and respond to real-time needs was a great honor.”
Overall, the conferences included 42 counties represented, 165 non-Extension attendees, and an approval rating of 94% as satisfied or extremely satisfied with the event.
ABOUT EXTENSION: Illinois Extension leads public outreach for University of Illinois by translating research into action plans that allow Illinois families, businesses, and community leaders to solve problems, make informed decisions.
Source: Rebecca Crumrine, SNAP-Education Program Coordinator, University of Illinois Extension, racrumri@illinois.edu