Lisa Peterson

Lisa Peterson works to understand the health and food safety needs of residents in Christian, Jersey, Macoupin, and Montgomery counties in Illinois. She uses that insight to develop and deliver engaging, research-based programming tailored to local communities. She has a passion for consumer food safety and food preservation. Her work blends practical nutrition education with a modern approach focused on managing and preventing chronic diseases, using social media and technology to promote food safety, encourage home food preparation, and support healthy eating habits.  She also enjoys teaching about preparing and preserving locally produced foods and helping people feel confident in the kitchen. At the heart of her work is a simple goal: giving Illinois residents the tools they need to make safe, healthy, and informed choices.

Lisa has served as a Food and Nutrition Educator with University of Illinois Extension since June 2014. She holds both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Nutrition, Exercise, and Food Science from South Dakota State University, with a research emphasis in food safety. Her background includes experience as a graduate research assistant with South Dakota State University Extension. In addition to teaching hands-on classes in cooking, diabetes and heart disease management, food safety, and home food preservation, she is a ServSafe and National Registry of Food Safety Professionals Certified Food Protection Managers instructor. Find her next class here or reach out via email to schedule one. Lisa is an active member of the Illinois and National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, Epsilon Sigma Phi, and serves as a BAC-fighter Ambassador with the Partnership for Food Safety Education.

Originally from rural west central Minnesota, Lisa remains loyal to Minnesota baseball, basketball, and football. A proud two-time Jackrabbit alumna, she is an enthusiastic SDSU football and basketball fan. When she is not at a game or watching one, you can usually find her hiking local trails, traveling, experimenting in the kitchen with diabetes- or celiac-friendly recipes, spending time with family and friends, or searching for the best cup of coffee around.

Find classes Lisa is teaching, recipes, and additional nutrition, food safety, and wellness resources on her local University of Illinois Extension Nutrition and Wellness: Christian, Macoupin, Montgomery, and Jersey County website.