According to the most recent statistics available from Feeding America, about 15 percent of Illinoisans live with food insecurity, struggling sometime during the year to get the food they need. Children in Illinois are even worse off, with one in five not having enough to eat. University of Illinois Extension's Local Government Education webinar, Think Global, Eat Local, will highlight Illinois Extension programming designed to assist community leaders and others in addressing the need for additional food access in their communities.
Participants will have the opportunity to learn how communities can partner with Illinois Extension to improve the lives of their citizens through local food projects, including community gardens, mobile markets, food banks and more. The presenters will discuss: food insecurity; planning a community food project; sustainability through fundraising; as well as how to promote volunteer and youth involvement. Participants will also learn about ways to provide your community with healthier food options and a higher quality of life while encouraging community engagement and environmental sustainability.