Winter 2024 Quarterly Report

1 Winter2024 Bond.

Clinton.

Jefferson.

Marion.

Washington.

04.Trainings and Certifications for Producers The future of our food supply relies on the use of practices that boost production and capacity.

05. Gardening & Grocery Planning While families try to manage their finances with increasing costs, some changes are easier to make than others.

06. Nutrition Impacted by Food Insecurity An incre ase in Food insecurity rates indicate a decrease in access to food that is culturally relevant and nutritionally robust.

Photo Credit: Maarten Deckersfor Unsplash

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Winter2024 Dear Community, As we navigate the winter months, a season of reflection and transformation, we find inspiration in the strength of our shared mission. At Extension, we steadfastly believe in the potential of Illinois and its communities.

In this report, discover the impact of our collective efforts in addressing key issues across Bond, Clinton, Jefferson, Marion, and Washington counties. From supporting strong and resilient youth and families to growing a prosperous economy, sustaining natural resources, maintaining a safe food supply, and maximizing physical and emotional health for all, our programs stand as beacons of positive change.

Our focus on the “grand challenges” of our time guides our actions. We define annual priorities that respond to evolving needs while ensuring meaningful progress. This dynamic strategy allows us to stay true to our mission while serving communities throughout Extension.

As we unveil the accomplishments of this quarter, we invite you to engage with the stories. These narratives are a testament to the dedication of our team. We are not just problem-solvers; we are facilitators of positive change, and your partnership is integral to our success.

We invite you to explore upcoming opportunities like Grocery Planning, Master Naturalist training and others listed on our website extension.illinois.edu/bcjmw/events. Find events that resonate with your interests and values and get involved.

Together, let us embrace the winter season as a time of growth, reflection, and shared purpose.

Many thanks,

Jordee Koehler

JORDEE KOEHLER County Extension Director

Educational Partnerships Benefit Communities Thriving youth are the core of healthy, robust communities. Illinois Extension's youth development model focuses on social competence, academic success, career development, and community connection. A partnership with the local Regional Office of Education enables Illinois Extension Educators to take research based educational programs directly to teachers and students. In the fall, Educators led two sessions at a local school in-service day, hosted three breakout sessions at a ROE conference serving four of our five counties, and provided student education at a career day hosted by Kaskaskia College.

Our Youth Development and Finance teams are collaborating with Marion, Clinton, & Washington Counties Career & Technical Education System on the Welcome to the Real World simulation. In addition, a Robotics professional development opportunity is being held at Odin school district in February. This is just the first professional development offering in 2024, with a full menu of options currently being finalized to serve different districts' needs.

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A strong sense of community brings people together to develop shared goals, support one another in times of need and growth, and work together for the good of the whole.

When strong networks of peers and organizations support youth and families, even the most vulnerable community members feel they belong and are valued.

B ond County Cooking SPIN Clubs will teach youth We also work to reach the community to be responsible for their own through the help of Master Gardener healthy meals, while they learn and Master Naturalist volunteers. safe kitchen habits. Personal health decisions are influenced by the In 2023 Bond broader community and environment County Master where we live. By working together, Gardeners donated more we can create environments where than 85 hours and Bond healthy choices are the easy choices.

County Master Naturalists Classrooms, school cafeterias, food donated 398 hours to pantries, workplaces, and other built community projects. environments play an important role in promoting health and wellbeing.

Youth in Bond County are experiencing that strong sense of community first hand. Local Partner volunteers are stepping up to organizations are vital show their support for 4-H and to community education. youth development by offering In addition to 4-H volunteers, time and skills to teach workshops Illinois Extension also and special interest clubs. partners with community

groups, organizations and schools.

In addition to multiple workshops scheduled for this Winter and Spring, Cooking 4-H SPIN Clubs are expected to be popular in 2024, A few of our partners include the with two different opportunities to Simple Room, DeMoulin Museum, participate, depending on age. Our Greenville University, Soil and Water first Cooking SPIN club will be led by Conservation District, Bond County Brad Duft and will be open to older Chamber of Commerce, Greenville youth. The second cooking club will Garden Club, Bond County Senior meet in Sorento and it will be led by Center, and Bond County Community Joellen Vohlken.

Unit 1 School District.

The survival of our planet depends on the quality of our water, land, energy, and air. In a changing climate, Illinois Extension helps Illinois residents make informed choices on stewardship of these natural resources to ensure sustainable environment and ecosystems supporting healthy living and climate resilient communities.

You can learn more about University of Illinois Extension upcoming programs online at go.illinois.edu/bcjmw, facebook. com/bcjmwu23, email at uiebcjmw@illinois.edu or by calling us at 618-327-8881.

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C linton County

A strong sense of community brings people together to develop shared goals, support one another in times of need and growth, and work together for the good of the whole.

A woodworking SPIN club, led The survival of our planet depends on

by David Ratermann and Marvin the quality of our water, land, energy, Ratermann, kicked off in early and air. These shared resources must January. This is the second year for this SPIN club, which developed after In 2023 Clinton volunteers saw the popularity of their County Master one day workshops. More SPIN clubs Gardeners donated more When strong networks of peers are on the horizon for late Spring than 595 hours and Clinton and organizations support youth with Air Rifle and Archery.

County Master Naturalists

and families, even the most vulnerable community members feel they belong and are valued.

Partner organizations are vital to community education.

In addition to 4-H volunteers, Illinois Extension also partners with community groups, organizations and schools.

donated 800 hours to community projects.

Youth in Clinton County are experiencing that strong sense be managed through sustainable of community first hand. Local practices that support ecological volunteers are stepping up to balance. In a changing climate, show their support for 4-H and Illinois Extension helps Illinois youth development by offering residents make informed choices time and skills to teach workshops on stewardship of these natural In addition to 4-H volunteers, and special interest clubs. resources to ensure sustainable Illinois Extension also partners with Older 4-H members have the community groups, organizations opporutnity to delve into life skills and schools. A few of our partners through an electricity workshop include Farm Bureau, the Army Corps taught by Mark Litteken and of Engineers, and Kaskaskia College.

sponsored by Litteken Electric in February. In early March, youth can We also work to reach the community take their horticulture projects to through the help of Master Gardener the next level in a flower arranging and Master Naturalist volunteers. workshop offered by Town and When people volunteer for a local issue, they see themselves as part of Country Florist. the solution.

environment and ecosystems supporting healthy living and climate resilient communities.

You can learn more about University of Illinois Extension upcoming programs online at go.illinois.edu/bcjmw, facebook. com/bcjmwu23, email at uiebcjmw@illinois.edu or by calling us at 618-327-8881.

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J efferson A strong sense of community brings people together to develop shared goals, support one another in times of need and growth, and work together for the good of the whole.

When strong networks of peers and organizations support youth and families, even the most vulnerable community members feel they belong and are valued.

County

between food insecurity, poor We also work to reach the community health, and even poor academic through the help of Master Gardener outcomes for children. Extension and Master Naturalist volunteers. connects youth, volunteers, and partners to work together to In 2023 address food insecurity in locally Jefferson County relevant ways.

Welcome new staff members Courtney Beal, SNAPEd Community Outreach Worker, and Allison Diekemper, 4-H Youth Development Coordinator.

SNAP-Ed programs are one way that Jefferson County Extension works to support the local community. Since September 1, local SNAP-Ed staff have led 48 educational programs in We have also filled the vacant Jefferson County. This includes a 4-H Program Coordinator role. combination of school visits, food Allison Diekemper joined the 4-H pantry booths, WIC office classes Team just before Christmas. She and other adult programs. recently graduated from Murray State with a degree in Agriculture Going forward we will be able Education. to increase these efforts even more, as we have added a new Allison is looking forward to Community Outreach Worker. being involved in the local Courtney Beal has joined Kristen 4-H community and and Buttrum as SNAP-Ed staff serving bringing more 4-H involvement Jefferson County. Our staff knows opporutnities to Jefferson county that research shows a strong link youth.

Master Gardeners donated more than 70 hours and Jefferson County Master Naturalists donated almost 100 hours to community projects.

The survival of our planet depends on the quality of our water, land, energy, and air. In a changing climate, Illinois Extension helps Illinois residents make informed choices on stewardship of these natural resources to ensure sustainable environment and ecosystems supporting healthy living and climate resilient communities.

You can learn more about University of Illinois Extension upcoming programs online at go.illinois.edu/bcjmw, facebook. com/bcjmwu23, email at uiebcjmw@illinois.edu or by calling us at 618-327-8881.

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M arion County

A strong sense of community brings people together to develop shared goals, support one another in times of need and growth, and work together for the good of the whole.

address food insecurity in locally The survival of our planet depends on relevant ways. the quality of our water, land, energy, and air. These shared resources must

Over 33% of Marion County be managed through sustainable residents are eligible for SNAP practices that support ecological benefits. We are partnering with local schools, community In 2023 Marion organizations, and food pantires County Master When strong networks of peers to provide direct and indirect Gardeners donated and organizations support youth nutrition education, promote 100 hours and Marion and families, even the most environmental changes, and County Master Naturalists vulnerable community members encourage an active lifestyle. This donated over 195 hours to feel they belong and are valued. helps encourge those receiving community projects.

SNAP benefits to make healthy SNAP-Ed programs are one way livestyle choices. that Marion County Extension works to support the local balance. In a changing climate, community. Since September Illinois Extension helps Illinois Partner 1, local SNAP-Ed staff have led residents make informed choices organizations are vital 76 educational programs in on stewardship of these natural to community education.

Marion County. This includes a In addition to 4-H volunteers, resources to ensure sustainable combination of school visits, food environment and ecosystems Illinois Extension also pantry booths, WIC office classes supporting healthy living and climate partners with community and other adult programs. resilient communities. groups, organizations

and schools.

Krystal Pruden as SNAP-Ed staff serving Marion County knows that research shows a strong link We also work to reach the community between food insecurity, poor through the help of Master Gardener health, and even poor academic and Master Naturalist volunteers. outcomes for children. Extension IWhen people volunteer for a local connects youth, volunteers, and issue, they see themselves as part of partners to work together to the solution.

You can learn more about University of Illinois Extension upcoming programs online at go.illinois.edu/bcjmw, facebook. com/bcjmwu23, email at uiebcjmw@illinois.edu or by calling us at 618-327-8881.

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W ashington County A strong sense of community brings people together to develop shared goals, support one another in times of need and growth, and work together for the good of the whole.

Earlier in the 4-H year, the All a large amount of money on preAbout Birds SPIN Club began made decorations. In the current learning about birds in our area. financial climate, our clients are They have developed signs for a always seeking ways to stretch local park to teach community their dollar and we are happy to members about the birds they help. may see there. In February and When strong networks of peers March their club is inviting all In 2023 Washington County 4-H members and organizations support youth Washington County and families, even the most to take part in woodworking Master Gardeners donated vulnerable community members workshops. Participants will build more than 860 hours and bird houses for Cardinals and Blue feel they belong and are valued.

Washington County Master Birds to be installed near the signs Naturalists donated just over Youth in Washington County are they created.

60 hours to community experiencing that strong sense of community first hand. Local volunteers are stepping up to show their support for 4-H and youth development by offering time and skills to teach workshops and special interest clubs.

projects.

Partner organizations are vital to community education.

The Nashville Community Center has been an Illinois Extension Partner for several years.

4-H teen leaders will host a Cloverbud workshop (ages 5-7) in February. The morning will be filled with STEM activities, arts & In December, the Nashville crafts, games, and teambuilding. Community Center welcomed us In addition to being a social and to their space to offer a Hort. for emotional growth activity for the Holidays Workshop on wreath our younger members, the teens making. This hands-on adult involved will be working on their workshop showed participants life skills as they plan and lead the that you can decorate your home program. for the holidays without spending

Master Gardener and Master Naturalist volunteers are a vital piece of the community outreach puzzle. When people volunteer for a local issue, they see themselves as part of the solution.

You can learn more about University of Illinois Extension upcoming programs online at go.illinois.edu/bcjmw, facebook. com/bcjmwu23, email at uiebcjmw@illinois.edu or by calling us at 618-327-8881.

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Trainings and Certifications for Producers

There is no off season in the Agriculture and Horticulture industries.

The future of our food supply relies on the use of practices that boost production and capacity. Growers at all levels benefit from practical, efficient, and sustainable approaches to cultivating produce, crops, and livestock that feed their families, communities, and the world.

Commercial fruit and vegetable growers face a lot of uncertainties. One thing is certain: University of Illinois Extension has the current research to help make those important production decisions. Every year Southern Illinois Fruit and Vegetable School brings informative, practical, and up-to-date research-based information to address the challenges of growing fruit and vegetables commercially in Southern Illinois and Missouri. On February 7, industry experts shared current trends in insect and disease management and various other production-related topics with roughly 100 producers at the Doubletree Meeting & Event Center in Mt. Vernon.

Also on February 7, Commercial Livestock Manager Training was held at the Clinton County Extension Office in Breese. The Livestock Management Facilities Act requires facilities designed for 300 or more animal units to have at least one employee certified in environmentally aware manure management techniques.

A range of topics related to the operation, management, and utiliza-

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tion of livestock waste and waste facilities were covered. Additionally, the latest regulations, best management practices, and research for manure-related issues were discussed. Online training and testing

are available all year and follow the same format as the in-person workshops. Online training includes nine modules of 10- to 20-minute videos that can be viewed at your own pace.

Thriving Youth

The core of healthy, robust communities Environmental education is a high priority for University of Illinois Extension. Through multiple partnerships and collaborations, our youth development and ag and natural resources teams are addressing the needs

of environmental education in our local communities. A few ways we are working to do this is by bringing the signature Master Naturalist program paired with a Junior Master Naturalist to our multi-county unit this year.continued The Nationalon Environmenpage 8 >>

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Financial Wellbeing

Resources for all ages and life stages help individuals build and protect wealth Have you noticed price increases recently? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, expenses have been rising at a higher rate than income. While families try to manage their finances with increasing costs, some changes are easier to make than others. After cutting back on luxuries, even basic necessities may be more difficult to afford. The USDA food price index has shown a dramatic increase (rising 9.9% in 2022) in the cost of buying food.

>> continued from page 4 tal Education Foundation states that environmental education leads to greater academic achievement, develops problem-solving confidence, fosters interest in STEM careers, and enhances creativity Our Youth Development and Finance teams are collaborating on the Welcome to the Real World simulation. In the July 2022 FINRA Foundation national financial capability study, it was reported that young people with high levels of financial literacy are more likely to save and plan for retirement and less likely to use expensive borrowing methods.

The simulation will not only provide approximately 200 8th graders a chance to experience what it would be like to live a month on the salary

of their chosen profession but also give their teachers access to free, research-based career and money management curriculum. Providing quality financial literacy materials and instruction is one of the Bond, Clinton, Marion, Jefferson, and Washington Extension offices’ high priorities.

Research shows that on average 58% of young people ages 15-25 are not active in community affairs. To encourage youth to be more active in our communities the 4-H team is planning a 5-county leadership event for our older members. The day is orchestrated to show youth the importance of being a leader and to practice their communication and interpersonal skills.

Gardening and Grocery Planning is an educational program we provide to help community members with strategies to improve financial well-being with a focus on food.

Planning meals and grocery costs can help to lower expenses and cut down on impulse buying. In addition, starting a container garden can benefit your budget by supplementing your shopping list and be a fruitful hobby that satisfies your taste buds. This program will be offered on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. at Kaskaskia College Trenton Education Center and Wednesday, April 10, 2024, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. at Kaskaskia College Greenville Education Center.

Registration is open now at go.illinois.edu/ GardeningandGroceries. You can find more more helpful financial education tools online at go.illinois. edu/money.

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Enhancing and Preserving Natural Resources

Master Naturalist and Jr. Master Naturalist registration opens April 1

Food Insecurity Impacts Nutrition Choices Food insecurity is not just about hunger. It also indicates a decrease in access to food that is culturally relevant and nutritionally robust. According to the USDA there is a strong link between food insecurity, poor physical and mental health, and even poor academic outcomes for children.

SNAP-Ed works to decrease these disparities by offering adult programming through local partnerships. Currently, SNAP-Ed is working with Youthbuild, Lifeboat Alliance,

adult living communities, and area foodbanks to educate those who are food insecure.

The SNAP-Ed program generates up to 135 million in future benefits for the people of Illinois. Illinoisans receive anywhere from $5.36 and $9.34 in return for each dollar spent helping Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program participants make health choices through Eat. Move. Save education programs.

Recently a food pantry client came to an Eat.Move.Save Booth at a local food pantry. This client had been to the doctor and was told to cut out processed grains and replace them with whole grains. She was at a loss on how to know the difference between the two. Thankfully, she was comfortable enough to ask, “How do I know the difference?” Our community outreach worker presenting the booth took the client to the bread table and showed her how to read the food label to find out what is and is not a whole grain product. They talked about all the different kinds of grain products and how to read the ingredient list. Our client was happy to be empowered to The image shows the percentage of food insecurity in our local make better choices for her health. area. The counties in red have higher percentages than the state.

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Upcoming Events

at a glance here‘s what‘s next February

17 4-H Beef Weigh-In, Greenville 17 State 4-H Horse Judging Contest, Galva 19 Speaking for Illinois 4-H 19 Master Gardener/Master Naturalist Office Hours 20 Water Bath Canning, Centralia 22 Disparities in Maternal Care, webinar 22 Commercial Pesticide Applicator Training & Testing, Mt. Vernon 24 4-H Electricity Workshop, Trenton

March 5 7 8-9 12 14 20 22 23 28

4-H Floral Workshop, Breese 4-H Public Speaking Contest, Kaskaskia College Midwest Herb Show, Mt. Vernon Pesticide Applicator Testing, Breese Pesticide Applicator Testing, Nashville Gardening and Grocery Planning, Trenton 4-H Macrame Workshop, Breese Volunteer Hullabaloo, Carlyle 4-H Stained Glass Workshop, Nashville

See our full calendar online Find details on these programs, plus new events being added and online opportunities at extension.illinois.edu/bcjmw/events.

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BUSINESS HOURS Monday through Friday 8 AM - 12 PM & 1 - 4:30 PM

Bond.

Clinton.

Jefferson.

Marion.

Washington.

9623 Wall St. Nashville, IL 62263 (618) 327-8881 uie-bcjmw@illinois.edu

Find us online. extension.illinois.edu bcjmwu23

Photo by Meredith Petrick on Unsplash

College of Agriculture, Consumer & Environmental Sciences University of Illinois*U. S. Department of Agriculture*Local Extension Councils Cooperating University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment.

If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this program, please call the Extension Office at 618-327-8881.

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