By Andi Anderson
The University of Illinois Extension has launched a new Health and Community Wellness (HCW) program area to better support families and communities across Illinois.
The initiative aims to address important issues related to health, nutrition, food security, family relationships, aging, and financial well-being.
Part of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES), Illinois Extension connects university research and expertise with residents in all 102 counties of the state.
The new HCW program combines the efforts of the former Family and Consumer Sciences and Integrated Health Disparities teams into one unified structure to increase effectiveness and community impact.
Jennifer McCaffrey, Assistant Dean for Health and Community Wellness, highlighted the purpose behind the new initiative. She said, “We carefully assessed our strengths within Illinois Extension and identified where communities need us most, now and in the future.
This strategic alignment allows us to focus our efforts on key issues in Illinois, where we can make the biggest difference for families across the state.”
The HCW program will provide research-based educational programs that address local health and community needs. Its focus areas include nutrition and food security, food systems, chronic disease prevention, aging, and financial wellness. The program will also improve service delivery through digital learning opportunities, community capacity-building initiatives, and train-the-trainer outreach methods.
A major initiative under HCW is the Center for Food Systems, Nutrition Security, and Health Integration, which is scheduled to open in July 2026. The center will serve as a statewide hub for research, innovation, and leadership in food systems, nutrition security, and community health.
Germán Bollero, Dean of the College of ACES, emphasized the importance of integrated solutions. He stated, "Food systems, nutrition, and community health are deeply connected, and so are the solutions. By bringing together the expertise of the College of ACES with the statewide reach of Illinois Extension, this center strengthens our ability to serve communities through research, education, and engagement.
The center will connect farmers, community partners, and organizations with research, training, and practical solutions. Planned projects include farm-to-school programs, food navigation initiatives, and training opportunities for rural healthcare workers.
Matthew Vann, Director of Illinois Extension, said, “We’re excited about the next phase of Extension programming in health and wellness. This is a great opportunity for impactful programming through deeper partnerships across Extension and the state of Illinois. It exemplifies how Illinois Extension can serve the citizens of every community. We look forward to seeing growth in our Health and Community Wellness program.” Through these efforts, Illinois Extension aims to build healthier and stronger communities across the state.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-richlegg
Categories: Illinois, Education