URBANA, Ill. — University of Illinois Extension has connected every county in Illinois with life-changing research to improve lives for more than a century. However, many community members are unaware of the variety of local Extension programs for all ages.
To raise awareness about Extension programs, Montgomery County staff organized two "Taste of Extension" events in 2023 and 2024. The team was awarded the Promotional Excellence award at the 2024 Annual Conference in November for their efforts.
To showcase the diversity of topic areas and available local community resources, the office partnered with food vendors to bring people to the Extension office in Montgomery County. The events included informational booths and hands-on educational activities, including pumpkin decorating, cottage food laws, and landscaping. The events brought in 23 new participants. These events introduced Extension to new audiences and strengthened community ties, with plans to replicate the initiative in neighboring counties for greater outreach.
The Taste of Extension team (photoed above) included Valerie Belusko, community and economic development educator; Alexis Friesland, Extension reporting systems associate and previously a 4-H program coordinator; Andrew Holsinger, horticulture educator; Jessica Jaffry, 4-H youth development educator; Rebecca Niemeier, agricultural literacy program coordinator; Cassie O'Connell, marketing and communications program coordinator; Lisa Peterson, nutrition and wellness educator; Lisa White, office manager; Sara Marten, county director.
Learn more about Extension programs in your area by connecting with your local office at go.illinois.edu/ExtensionOffice.
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 700 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 six program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, family and consumer science, integrated health disparities, and natural resources, environment, and energy.