University of Illinois Extension Fulton Mason Peoria Tazewell Unit

09/09/2026

Thanks to an extensive background in leadership development, event planning, and financial services, Kerry Keating was able to jump into her new role with a powerful start during the busiest time of the year in University of Illinois Extension programming. At the end of June, Kerry began as Extension county director, serving Fulton, Mason, Peoria, and Tazewell counties.
University of Illinois Extension

PEKIN, Ill. - Thanks to an extensive background in leadership development, event planning, and financial services, Kerry Keating was able to jump into her new role

09/09/2026

Our Food & Health Systems Educator, Rebecca Crumrine, was joined by partners for the lighting of the bridge orange for hunger tonight! Get involved this Hunger Action Month: https://go.illinois.edu/ham!

09/04/2026

Help us fight hunger!

🥫 Join Us in Fighting Hunger This September! 🧡

🛒 How you can help:

Simply stop by Grand Prairie Hy-Vee at 7610 N Orange Prairie Road in Peoria on Saturday, September 19, 2026 between 10 am and 4 pm and purchase any non‑perishable food items and drop them in the designated donation bin!
All food collected will go directly to our local food pantries to support families.

To see all of the ways that you can make a difference during Hunger Action Month (and all year!), visit https://healthyhoi.org/HungerActionMonth2026 to learn more!

Food For All, Always.

09/04/2026

Wear orange with us on September 8th!

Join us in showing support for hunger awareness by putting on your brightest orange on September 8th and standing united against food insecurity in our community!
Orange is the color of hunger awareness, and when we all wear it together, we shine a powerful light on an issue that affects families, children, and seniors right here at home.
Whether you're at work, school, or out in the community, snap and share a photo in your orange gear and help spread the message!

09/02/2026

Join us and our partners in fighting hunger this September!

September is Hunger Action Month...and it's time to suit up! 🦸‍♂️🦸‍♀️

Every day, heroes walk among us - neighbors, volunteers, families, agencies - each taking action to fight hunger in our community. This month, we're calling on YOU to join the league of local superheroes making a real impact.

All month long, you will have the chance to leap into action with a series of special events designed to take a stand against hunger! Lace up for the 5th Annual Tri-County Hunger Walk on September 26th, a Bridge Lighting Ceremony on September 8th, and team up with fellow heroes by participating in or hosting a food drive! Together, these events create a powerful force for change - and we can't wait to see our hero community in action! To see more about all of the events happening this month, visit https://healthyhoi.org/HungerActionMonth2026

Whether you donate food, support local pantries, raise awareness, advocate for change, or volunteer your time, every act is a heroic one. No capes required - just compassion, commitment, and community.

08/29/2026

Registration is open for this 90-minute, high impact session delivered by Illinois Center for Employee Ownership (ILCEO).
https://extension.illinois.edu/events/2026-09-22-people-profit-and-performance

08/28/2026

Every tree has a story to tell, you just need the right tools to read it. Those stories are written in tree rings, hidden in their height, and tucked away in details most of us walk right past.
During Forestry Skills 101: Using Forestry Tools, 13 participants plus four Extension staff got to step into the boots of a forester for the afternoon at Rice Lake, near Canton.

Every tree has a story to tell, you just need the right tools to read it. Those stories are written in tree rings, hidden in their height, and tucked away in details

08/28/2026

We have all been enjoying the traditional back to school pictures being shared online. We encourage you to tack on to those traditions with some new ideas to build your family connections.
Interview your kids.
Share different perspectives.
Create a family cookbook.
Write an I Am poem.

Yesterday, a colleague showed me a picture that her daughter had drawn many years ago. She (my coworker) had found the picture while cleaning out her office and

08/28/2026

September is Hunger Action Month and we have a great team of staff and partners who work together to build a solid network of organizations to help anyone needing emergency food services. The Hunger Walk is just one way they educate and build their network of resources.

The 5th annual Tri-County Hunger Walk is coming on Saturday, September 26, 2026! This year's walk will be held at Donovan Park is Peoria. Registration is OPEN - visit go.illinois.edu/hungerwalk2026 to sign up for the event!

08/24/2026

Do you know an individual, organization, program, or community partner whose work addressing the hunger of our neighbors deserves to be recognized? If you know someone who is making a difference in creating a community where everyone has access to food, nominate them for the Partnership for a Healthy Community Feeding Hope Award!
This award will celebrate a community organization, volunteers, nonprofit, educator, food pantry, program leader, or someone else who consistently goes above and beyond to help others. To submit a nomination, visit go.illinois.edu/feedinghopeaward Nominations due by Monday, September 7, 2026.