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Deer Donation program receives $25,000 to help feed Central Illinois families
URBANA, Ill. – More than a thousand Central Illinois families have been fed this winter thanks to a $25,000 grant from The Lumpkin Family Foundation. The foundation provided the grant to the University of Illinois Extension Deer Donation program in November to help reimburse meat processors....
Boost gut health with a tangy treat: Make sauerkraut at home
URBANA, Ill. – Probiotic-rich foods can enhance digestion and improve overall gut health. All are produced through fermentation, a food preservation method that has been used for thousands of years to naturally reduce the risk of food spoilage and foodborne illness. Common foods include ...
Illinois receives $14.4M to create local food system for underserved populations
URBANA, Ill. - Illinois will use $14.4 million in USDA funding to buy locally-produced food and distribute it to those in need, according to state officials. The two-year program will involve direct purchases from eligible farmers and multiple aggregation sites where goods will be consolidated...
Protect your holiday baking traditions with 4 food safety tips
URBANA, Ill. – Holiday baking brings family and friends together and creates lasting memories as friends share recipes, stories, and meaningful time together. Amid the flurry of flour-covered countertops and mountains of messy mixing bowls, keep food safety in mind.
“Baking and food...
No matter how you slice them, apples are a fall favorite
URBANA, Ill. – Brisk, fall weather brings crowds of Illinoisans to apple orchards to enjoy the crisp, juicy flavor of their favorite in-season apples.
“Whether fried, dipped in peanut butter or caramel, made into cider, or baked into a pie, apples are a delicious, sweet treat,” says...
Improve well-being, health with 5 life lessons
URBANA, Ill. – Continued learning through all stages of life helps us to thrive physically, mentally, and financially. No matter your age, learn valuable life lessons in five monthly workshops which continue a tradition of supporting Illinois residents and communities with relevant and easy-to-...
Stretch out the growing season with fall planted salad greens
URBANA, Ill. – When people think of fall, harvesting salad greens rarely comes to mind; however, late summer is a terrific time for gardeners to begin planting lettuce, arugula, endive, or other leafy greens for salads says Nancy Kreith...
Community gardens fight food insecurity close to home
URBANA, Ill. - Illinois is home to some of the most fertile soils in the world. No one should go hungry here. Every year, Illinois Extension staff and Master Gardener volunteers around the state fight food insecurity with fruits and vegetables fresh from the garden.
By working with local...
New translation specialist improves Extension’s outreach to multilingual communities
URBANA, Ill. – For more than 100 years, University of Illinois Extension has translated on-campus research into practical tools and information to help communities across the state solve problems. Now, that power of translation will give multilingual communities in Illinois full access to...
Overwhelmed by garden produce? Pickle it!
URBANA, Ill. – Sour, sweet, bread and butter, Kosher dills, spears, chips, or slices on a sandwich, or as a snack or side dish – pickles are everywhere. For home gardeners with an abundance of cucumbers and other produce, pickling is a great way to preserve your bounty.
While cucumbers...
Be prepared when disaster strikes
URBANA, Ill. – Disasters don't operate on a schedule, but pre-planning can help families and communities prepare for unexpected emergencies. A series of five workshops by University of Illinois Extension will outline proactive steps to take before,...
Regional Food Summit Addressing Food Access and Security Across Southern Illinois
Hunger is often hidden, but it is a huge issue in southern Illinois. In fact, according to Feeding America's Map the Meal Gap, more than 45,000 (14.3%) southern Illinoisans struggle with having enough food to eat. Food insecurity affects adults and children, with rates among children ranging by...
Produce donation program improves health and nutrition at food pantries
URBANA, Ill. – Food pantries provide much needed relief for food insecure individuals and families. But pantries often rely on donations of canned and packaged foods with limited nutritional value. Growing Together Illinois, a program from Illinois...
Learn what research reveals for current health challenges
URBANA, Ill. – The rush of summer activities can interrupt healthy routines. Researchers from University of Illinois can help guide your summer health choices. A series of seven workshops will dive into a wide range of topics, from fitness to brain health.
The free online webinars are...
Illinois teen leaders ready to tackle healthy living issues
Bethesda, MD. – Teen health leaders from across the country gathered at the National 4-H Summit for Healthy Living April 21-24 to focus on learning about and solving healthy living issues...
Flavor your meals with low-maintenance homegrown herbs
URBANA, Ill. – Culinary herbs are a favorite of many gardeners. They are easy to grow as they require little care, have few insect and disease problems, and generally prefer moderate fertility levels. In addition, they add fragrance and beauty to the garden. Many herbs such as lavender, sage,...
Home-to-Market Act expands options for Illinois’ growing cottage food industry
URBANA, Ill. – Illinois’ Cottage Food Law allows food entrepreneurs, local producers, and home cooks to sell non-potentially hazardous homemade foods and drinks to the public. Prior to 2012, those foods had to be prepared in a licensed commercial kitchen, an expensive option for those running a...
