Illinois Extension, Year In Review 2021

Stronger Charitable Food System through policy, systems, and environment changes

SNAP-Education team works to improve access to healthy food

Knowing you need to eat healthy food and having access to healthy food are two different things. The SNAP-Ed team works hard to address both issues. In addition to the long held tradition of nutrition education to youth and adults, Kaitlyn Streitmatter, SNAP-Ed educator, and Rebecca Crumrine, SNAPEd program coordinator, work with partners throughout the charitable food system to look at improvements that can be made to policies, systems, and the pantry environment that will clear away road blocks to healthy eating. This work is accomplished in a variety of ways and through a variety of teams. Kaitlyn and Rebecca are currently involved with 23 coalitions, and they play lead roles in 11 of them. HEAL-FSP Healthy Eating Active Living - Food Systems Partners is an initiative that brings together existing food system programs to increase food access, advance community education, and create agricultural and community development opportunities. It was started with a Community Foundation of Central Illinois Ending Hunger Together Grant. The list of 20 stakeholders includes local hospitals, health departments, food banks, and community organizations. Food Pantry Network - HOI The mission of the Food Pantry Network - Heart of Illinois is to support, connect, and provide resources to those working within the charitable food system. It was created to bring together those working in charitable food and is led by SNAP-Education and Tazewell County Health Department. Through meetings, a private Facebook group, and Google Group and Listserv, 241 members are able to work together to share extra supplies, ask for specific needs, and provide education and support that is not possible working alone. “Being a part of the Food Pantry Network is like being part of a larger family that reaches out to share the gifts, challenges, and opportunities God gives us. It is good to know that not only are we not alone in this journey, but together we are strong, lifting each other up to help our neighbors in need,” stated Dan Philips, FUMC Loaves and Fish Food Pantry.

Policy, Systems, Environment Stats

211,000 reach from site activities

65 partners

23 total coalitions

123 unique community partners

11 SNAP-Ed plays lead role

16 grants

15 professional development opportunities

273 participants

7 donations received for partners