University of Illinois Extension

Events (10)

Healthy Desserts!

Wed, 10/12/2022 - 12:00

Ohio Public Library

brownies

Coffee and Chocolate: Consumer Preferences, Sensory Properties, and Health Impacts | Autumn Health Picks

Wed, 10/12/2022 - 12:00

Online

coffee latte in cup on wooden table

Living Well with Diabetes | Developing Your Diabetes Care Team

Thu, 10/13/2022 - 12:00

Online

people having a group discussion

Comfort Foods in the Slow Cooker

Thu, 10/13/2022 - 12:00

Reddick Library

crockpot

What's New in the Kitchen

Tue, 10/18/2022 - 12:00

Putnam County Library

Living Well with Diabetes | Planning Meals for Blood Sugar Management

Thu, 10/20/2022 - 12:00

Online

people having a group discussion

Preserving Made Easy | Macon County

Sat, 10/22/2022 - 12:00

Mt. Zion District Library

picture slides of various foods for preserving

Living Well with Diabetes | Dining Out and Snacks for Blood Sugar Management

Thu, 10/27/2022 - 12:00

Online

people having a group discussion

Cultivating Your Own Blue Zone

Thu, 11/03/2022 - 12:00

Putnam County Community Center

seat turtle in blue ocean

What are the Facts? Dispelling Diet Culture and Nutrition Science Myths | Autumn Health Picks

Wed, 11/09/2022 - 12:00

Online

group of adults cooking healthy food in kitchen

Blog Posts (138)

It's Fair time!

french fries, corn dog, fair foods

5 summer salads to help you cool down in hot weather

Potato salad in yellow bowl next to fork on blue wood table

Switch up your meal routine by adding turnips and turnip greens

Small white turnips with attached greens on a bamboo mat

Vitamin D: Prevent muscle loss as you age

Nutrition: Prevent muscle loss as you age

Help! My muscles are shrinking!

senior woman in purple tank top holds a plank position in a yoga class

EGG--zactly right!

eggs in carton and mixing bowl

Cucumbers make tasty salsas, salads, and pickles

Plate of sliced cucumbers with overlaying text of "Cucumbers: From pickles to salads to sandwich toppers to dippers." Photographs show a young Asian holding a cucumber, a pregnant women slicing cucumbers, and an African American father and child holding cucumbers on a cutting board

Add celery as a supporting player in recipes

Add celery as a supporting player in recipes. With tips on recipes, shopping, and storage. Dark wood background with whole head of celery off to the right and cut celery above whole head.

It's the Berries!

variety of berries

Eat green foods for better health

"Health benefits of Green Foods" and images of spinach, cabbage, Swiss chard, Brussels sprouts and broccoli

Let's look inside the can

A Look Inside the Can: The Role of Canned Food Liners

Three surefire ways to reduce your risk of heart disease

Keep your heart healthy: limit added sugar

Eat white fruits and vegetables for better health

Health benefits of anthoxanthin-rich foods with images of potatoes, onions, garlic, ginger, mushrooms and banana

How do I eat kiwi fruit?

How Do I Eat Kiwi Fruit? With Tips on Recipes, Shopping, and Storage. Left photo is a gold kiwi fruit cut in half sitting on a blue napkin. Right photo is a wood cutting board with a knife and green kiwi fruit cut in half.

Eat carotenoid-rich foods for better health

health benefits of carotenoid rich foods with images of an orange, cantaloupe, sweet potato, eggs, corn and banana.

Catch pomegranates at their peak

Pomegranate split open, with a few seeds on the table

Eat red, blue, and purple foods for better health

Health benefits of anthocyanin-rich foods with a red, blue, and purple background.

Fueling the immune system

Pomegranates, oranges, and grapefruits cut in half

Maillard reactions change the tastes of your food

Roasted carrots and potatoes on a baking sheet

Eight food ideas for your holiday charcuterie board

Array of fruits, meats, nuts, and cheese on a charcuterie board

Use leeks in your autumn meals

Use leeks in your autumn meals: with tips on recipes, shopping, and storage. Background includes leek tops and ends on light blue wood background

Enjoy your holiday chili with a few healthy alternatives

Bowl of red-colored soup with a spoon and green garnishes set on a black table.

Crack open black walnuts for a nutritious treat

Oatmeal in a white bowl with two spoons

Not so sweet potatoes

sweet potatoes on cutting board

Shop farmers markets for your Thanksgiving meal

A spread of different vegetables including brussel sprouts, carrots, bell peppers, potatoes, and garlic on a white table.

A tough nut to crack: Unlock the healthy benefits of black walnuts

Nutritious, delicious black walnuts

More tricks than treats this Halloween

More Tricks than Treats this Halloween

Getting the 411 on Bone Health

Get the 411 on Bone Health, Cute Halloween ghost, skeleton, black cat, bones and cobweb

Acorn (squash) are not for squirrels

Acorn Squash Are Not for Squirrels: With Tips on Eating, Shopping, and Storage

Stay healthy this fall and prevent the flu

Stay healthy this fall and prevent the flu. Women sick with cold, tired, staying hydrated.

Add valuable nutrients to the diet with wheat germ

A wooden spoon full of wheat germ with text

Make way for apple season

Red apples on the left side, green apples on the right side, with text that says "it's apple season!"

Focus on fiber this September with National Whole-Grain Month

Image of jars of whole grain pastas and grains

Before squash harvest, you can cook with the blossoms

Cooking with Squash Blossoms; open blossom on squash plant on right side, three cut squash blossoms on wood background on right

Crafting the perfect BLT

A side view of a BLT sandwich with bread, mayonnaise, bacon, tomato, and lettuce. Text says 'crafting the perfect BLT'

Rounding up some fresh blueberry recipes

Older women sitting outside eating blueberries

Keep hydrated with melon this summer

A slice of a watermelon on a paper towel with a pink background

Ask your local growers about daikon radishes

A bunch of daikon radishes with green stems attached

What to expect at the farmers market

farmers market vendors and produce

Is ghee healthier than other fats?

A spoon scooping ghee out of a glass jar. Flowers on the table around the jar.

How much caffeine is too much?

Two cups of coffee on platers with a leaf design in the foam.

Make the most of berry season

Text says "make the most of berry season" with a picture of a dozen blackberries in the background.

Improve your health with the Mediterranean diet

May is Mediterranean Diet Month: Golden retriever puppy saying Time to Explore the world's healthiest eating plan

Eat a radish from top to bottom

Eat a Radish from Top to Bottom

Can you say Worcestershire?

Text says "Can you say Worcestershire?" with an image of sliced meatloaf

Eat your best to de-stress!

busy parent

Where to get your vitamin D sources

Text says "sources of vitamin D" with image of sun shining in a field

Get your fruits and vegetables in by sampling the seasons

Text says "Get your fruits and vegetables in by sampling the seasons" and image is of carrots.

Eating for a healthy gut

Text says "Eating for a healthy gut" with a picture of a yogurt parfait with yogurt, granola, and berries

Practice self-care to manage stress

Puppy chewing on a rope. Chew on this... Practice self-care to manage stress

What's the difference between scallions and green onions?

Bowl of cut green onions.

Turn strawberries into jam and fruit leather and salsa

Turn strawberries into jam and fruit leather and salsa

Debunking five nutrition myths

Overhead view of a bowl of oatmeal with fruit, a cup of coffee, and avocado on a cutting board.

Save on sodium with homemade refried beans

A maroon bowl with refried beans

Homemade granola bars

A stack of granola bars on a white plate.

What onions (and alliums) to use when

What Onions (and Alliums) to Use When

Shift your habits for better nutrition

healthy shift ideas like using olive oil instead of butter, eating quinoa instead of white rice and choosing sugar-free beverages over soda and juice.

Savor the versatility of poppy seeds

A white bowl full of poppy seeds.

For the love of mashed foods

Mashed sweet potatoes in a bowl

5 heart healthy breakfasts under 5 minutes

5 heart healthy breakfast items including oatmeal, protein smoothies, avocado salad on toast and egg scramble wraps

How to improve the quality of your sleep

Getting quality sleep and be ruff - puppy sleeping

All life stages accounted for in the new dietary guidelines

Grapes, tomato, lettuce, bread, cheese, meat, and red pepper.

Healthy eating – Is more than you realize

Food Journal, healthy foods and sweet desserts

Now's the time to use your slow cooker

plate of chicken

Enjoying Sweet Potatoes All Over the Country

Enjoying Sweet Potatoes All Over the Country

Thanksgiving 2020

thanksgiving dinner

Cabbage Recipes for Every Season

Every Season Recipes for Cabbage

Get in-spiralized by zoodles

Spiralized zucchini and carrot noodles on a black plate, with a whole carrot and zucchini off to the side.

Pumpkin, a fall favorite

Nutrition and Pumpkins

The versatility of cauliflower

Three slices of cauliflower on a cutting board.

Meals in the Field for Farm Families

Farming combine in background with text in foreground reading Meals in the Field

Making quick meals for at-home learning

Four quesadilla slices and pico de gallo on a blue plate

Bring home the starfruit

A wicker basket on a table filled with a dozen starfruit.

3 Apple Side Dishes for Fall

Three apples on wood background

Know your knives

Chopped tomatoes surrounding a knife

Pass the chili sauce

What to eat and avoid during pregnancy

Photo of pregnant woman

Pickling is old tradition with new appeal

photo of pickles

Perk up your dinner with pesto

Basil leaves on a wooden table.

Pump up the iron with iron-rich foods

Yellow weight on a barbell.

Don’t believe everything you read, except this

healthy immune system from eating fruits and vegetables

Why water?

Blue background, glass in the middle of picture with water being poured into it.

Eating Beets from Root to Stalk

Fresh beets with leaves and stems on granite background

Think food safety before you hit the trails

Hiking trail in the woods.

We're moving!

Tablet with food surrounding

Put your freezer to work

Ice cubes

Canned fruit counts

Chicken and vegetable recipe in gray bowl, set on table with fork and spooon.

Ripe for Eggplant Season

Little Bok Choy Cabbages Welcome Big Flavors

Bok choy on marbled background

A2: A New Milk on the Market

glass of milk with straw set on a picnic table

Practice Mindful Eating for Your Health

person eating apple

Picnic Safety and Fun

Grass with sun coming through the trees.

Lactose intolerance: do you have to avoid dairy completely?

Milk pouring into glass set on wooden table

Fighting to Reduce Food Waste

Garbage can with overflowing food

Don’t Leave Behind the Leftovers!

Casserole

Burgers Meet Meatless Alternatives

black bean burger

Dye Spring Colorful with Plant-Based Egg Dyes

Wicker basket filled with live grass, flowers, and dyed eggs

Matcha Madness: Health Benefits & Recipes

Green tea late with foam flower in a white mug

Fishing for Omega 3's During Lent

Salmon fillet

Sweet, Hot, or Smoked Paprika?

spices

University of Illinois Extension Helps Area Residents "Live Well"

parents and baby

Fill Up on Phyllo Cups

puff pastry

3 easy ways to boost fiber in your meals & snacks

Time to prioritize family mealtimes

Cooking Together

spoon with heart

Show your heart some love with these 3 lifestyle tips

What Makes Brown Sugar Brown?

orange and brown sugar

Persistent Persimmons

persimmons

Soy sauce varieties: What's the best option?

soy sauce and chopsticks

The Wisdom of Elderberries

elderberry

Dare to Cook with Dill

Dill coated white fish and asparagus on white plate and blue background

Getting Outdoors for Campfire Cooking

Cast iron pot hanging over campfire

Healthy Holiday Hacks

wreath

The Secrets of Sour Cream

potatoes

Roasting Your Favorite Root Vegetables

vegetables

Jerky Guide: Shopping, Storing and Preparing

Three strips of jerky on white plate with blue background

The Temptation of Tempeh

tempeh

Extension staff help address food insecurity in Tazewell County

Man receiving food sample

Benefits of Pumpkin

pumpkin

Should I Eat Like a Caveman?

porridge

Winter Squash, Autumn Favorite

squash

Wild Eats - Part 1 (Introduction to Deer)

Deer eating near tree

Wild Eats: Easy Venison Recipes

Wild Eats: Venison Nutrition and Cooking Tips

Chimichurri sauce over sliced venison

The Mysterious Pumpkin Seed

pumpkin seeds

5 healthy aging tips for all ages

The Many Benefits of Ginger

ginger

A Squeeze of Lime

lime

Keeping Citrus Simple with Lime, Lemon, and Orange

Picture of a lemon, lime, and orange on white background

Asparagus: A Spring Delicacy

Make it at Home: Sauerkraut

Game for Garlic Scapes?

Garlic scape on gray background

Age well with the Mediterranean diet

photos of person eating Mediterranean salad next to photo of Mediterranean food ingredients

Paprika: The Story Behind the Spice

Cooked chicken wing, leg, and thigh

Make the most of your oats

Sweet and Savory Oats

It's a win-win situation at Vermilion County Food Smart program

News Releases (113)

University of Illinois Extension offering Certified Food Protection Manager Certificate Course

Community partners address food access during food security summit

Local Communities gain SNAP-Ed Educator, strengthens Extension commitment to food access & healthy living

September is Hunger Action Month

Youth learn skills in the kitchen while celebrating National Pumpkin Month

Family cooking class encourages memory making and learning life-long skills

School nutrition professionals’ training dates are set for August

Learn the basics of home preserving and enjoy garden harvests all year long

Engage your family this summer with Food, Fun, 4-H at-home cooking program

Is it time to stray off the beaten path for your grocery list?

Learn what research reveals for current health challenges

Intergenerational workshop offers chance to bake, share and dream together

Think modern cooking techniques are the only way to a great meal?

Creative classes help make holidays healthy

Illinois Extension on the hunt for deer donation partners and sponsors

Put It Up! Jams & Jellies

Extension efforts add 64,000 pounds of fresh produce to central Illinois tables

Illinois Extension Home Food Preservation webinar series receives Team Excellence award

Local Extension Office Honored at State Convention

Take the Local Thanksgiving Challenge

Bring homegrown foods to the table this Thanksgiving

Healthy Behaviors for a Healthy Immune System

Prevent your risk for diabetes before it’s too late

Pressure canner testing at upcoming local farmers markets

Extension project focuses on collaboration to increase healthy food access and improve child nutrition

Check the label before trying probiotics

Savor flavors with mindful, fully sensory eating

Extension projects aim to increase healthy foods access, improve diets, increase activity

Harvesting a Rainbow of Tomatoes

Youth Learn the Importance of Fiber-rich Foods during Whole Grains Month

Make & Take Peach Apple Salsa Class

Pressure Canner Testing & Food Preservation Resources being offered at local farmers markets

Fair food can be enjoyed with a little planning

Grilling mistakes can be costly; stay safe during cookout season

U of I Extension offers Free Pop-Up Tween Walking Club Grades 3-6

Making fresh salsa class offered at Putnam County Community Center

Add spice to your life with growing and cooking with herbs program

Free Summer Healthy Kids Pop-Up Walking Clubs Ages 8-12

Food Myths: Debunked

Five benefits of walking by pacing Carlinville Plaza with Extension

Únase a Abriendo Caminos y despeje el camino hacia la salud Hispana con la Extensión de la Universidad de Illinois

Join Abriendo Caminos and Clear the Path to Hispanic Health with University of Illinois Extension

Choose Healthy Foods From Local Growers

"Eggs, From Farm to Fork" class being offered

Exploring Current Diet Trends: The Good, the Bad, and the Hard to Maintain

SNAP-Ed Healthy Cents lessons reach adults online

Volunteer Training for Abriendo Caminos, Clearing the Path to Hispanic Health, being offered

Illinois Extension leads efforts to address food insecurity in DeWitt and Piatt Counties

National Nutrition Month

Prevent, manage heart disease with healthy food choices

Meals for a Healthy Heart Free Online Classes with Cooking Demonstrations

Know your oats this Oatmeal Month

January Is National Baking Month

Health at Home Holiday Edition Free Webinar Series

Be creative with your Thanksgiving meal

Illinois Extension staff honored for life-changing programs

Extension Partners with Local Food Pantries

Extension campaign gives tips for reducing diabetes risk

Dining Out without Filling Out Virtual Class Offered

Hearty Soups and Stews Virtual Class and Cooking Demonstration Offered

Healthy Meals in the Field for Farm Families

Partnership connects urban youth to careers in ag and food innovation

Practical tips to manage your diabetes

New report shows UI Extension generates value 10 times its budget

September is Hunger Action Month

Stethoscope aids SNAP-Ed lessons in a unique way

Seniors, don’t just eat cereal for dinner

Carbohydrate Counting Basics webinar helps with meal planning for diabetes

Find Food Illinois: new community map locates food assistance sites

Calling All Creative Young Chefs to Show Us Your Cooking Skills

Stay hydrated in summer heat

Planning to Can Tomatoes

Reduce your risk of diabetes with proper nutrition

Celebrate National Grilling Month with important tips, new recipes

Tips for Preventing Apples from Turning Brown

Perfect Your Pickles

What’s Wrong with My Jam?

Take care of your teeth

If at First You Don’t Succeed, Dry and Dry Again

Fun with Fermentation

Freezing Garden Produce For Best Results

June Meal Tip

Upgrade Your Salad

Use safe, tested methods for preserving food

The Mediterranean Lifestyle

Fill your pantry with home-preserved foods

Every Step Counts

Is Gluten-Free Right for Me?

Cracking Open Canned Food Myths

Using Fresh Herbs in the Kitchen

Creative cooking with fewer ingredients

'Egg'cellent food safety tips keep us healthy

Improve your health at home: Online Webinar

New website offers advice for feeding babies

Tips for Keeping Frozen Food Fresh

Illinois Extension Offers Tips for National Nutrition Month

What's the Best Diet/ Plant-Based Eating Trend Grows

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with Real Heart this Year

Extension Offers Free Program about Arthritis and Inflammation

Preparing Soup For the Heart - Jersey County

Preparing Soup For the Heart - Montgomery County

Preparing Soup For the Heart - Christian County

Southern Illinois Food Pantry Network Awards Six Mini-Grants

Registration open for University of Illinois Extension “Prevent T2” – a Proven Diabetes Prevention Program

University of Illinois Extension offering Certified Food Protection Managers Class & Exam in January - Montgomery County

Hack your January with Easy Slow Cooking Meal Preparation

Game Plan for a Healthier Holiday Season

University of Illinois Extension offering Certified Food Protection Managers Class & Exam in January - Macoupin County

Starting a School Garden Workshop Series Open to All Types of School Staff and Volunteers

Nourish Your Neighbor by Donating Healthy Food

Illinois Extension joins nationwide celebration of impact of school lunch programs

Extension Offers Free Program about Saving Money on Food Costs

Health Fair and Health Screenings Available at Mobile Food Market

Staff (21)

Kaytlin Beekman staff photo

Kaytlin Beekman

Tazewell County SNAP-Ed Community Worker

Alex Burbach

Alex Burbach

Jo Daviess County Program Coordinator

tonya fitzpatrick

Tonya Fitzpatrick

SNAP-Ed Community Worker

Mary Flores

Mary Flores

McHenry County SNAP-Ed Program Coordinator

shasta hladovcak

Shasta Hladovcak

SNAP-Ed Community Worker

Hughes

Marisol Hughes

EFNEP Community Worker

Louise Hyneman

Louise Hyneman

SNAP-Ed Educator

jennifer mccaffrey

Jennifer McCaffrey

Assistant Dean, Family and Consumer Sciences

Caitlin Mellendorf

Caitlin Mellendorf

Nutrition and Wellness Educator

ACES Associate Dean and Director of Extension Dr. Shelly Nickols-Richardson

Shelly Nickols-Richardson

Associate Dean and Director of Extension

Lisa Peterson

Lisa Peterson

Nutrition and Wellness Educator; Acting County Director

Diane Reinhold

Diane Reinhold

Extension Educator Nutrition and Wellness

Terra Russell

Community Worker - SNAP-Ed

Margaret Samson

Visiting Outreach Associate

Nayaab Sattar

Nayaab Sattar

SNAP-Ed Educator

Lorie Schwerer

Lorie Schwerer

McDonough County Office Support Assistant

Zelda Smith

SNAP-Ed Community Outreach Worker

staff photo of Kaitlyn Streitmatter

Kaitlyn Streitmatter

Senior Manager, Policy, Systems, and Environment

Shaneise Tally

Shaneise Tally

Community Worker, EFNEP

Melinda Vortman

Melinda Vortman

SNAP-Ed Program Coordinator

Mary Liz Wright

Mary Liz Wright

Nutrition and Wellness Educator