By Andi Anderson
The University of Illinois Extension has officially launched the Center for Food Systems, Nutrition Security, and Health Integration. The new center aims to bring together farmers, researchers, community organizations, and industry partners to improve food systems and public health across Illinois.
Established within Illinois Extension and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, the center will serve as a statewide hub for collaboration, education, and innovation. Its mission is to connect communities with research-based knowledge, training opportunities, and practical solutions that support healthier people, stronger food systems, and a better environment.
The center focuses on several key priorities, including improving nutrition security, strengthening local food systems, enhancing environmental quality, and supporting the overall well-being of individuals and communities. Through partnerships and outreach efforts, the initiative seeks to create long-term benefits that extend beyond Illinois.
Jennifer McCaffrey, executive director, Center for Food Systems, Nutrition Security, and Health Integration, and assistant dean, University of Illinois Extension, highlighted the progress already made since the center’s early launch.
“Our soft launch of the Center was in July, and we have hit the ground running. The current initiatives use resources and strengths we have built upon for the last several years,” said Jennifer McCaffrey, executive director, Center for Food Systems, Nutrition Security, and Health Integration, and assistant dean, University of Illinois Extension.
Several important projects are already underway. One of them is the Find Food IL Navigator training program, which helps individuals and families identify and access available food resources. Another initiative, ABCs of School Nutrition, provides free professional training for school nutrition staff across Illinois through a partnership with the Illinois State Board of Education. The center is also coordinating efforts to map local food supply chains and develop resources that strengthen food networks and improve food access.
University leaders believe the center will play a vital role in addressing current and future challenges related to food, nutrition, and health. By bringing together expertise from different sectors, the initiative aims to deliver meaningful solutions that benefit both rural and urban communities.
“This is only the beginning. A center is not defined by its name. It is not defined by a website, or an organizational chart, or even a physical space. It will be defined by the partnerships it creates, the questions it helps answer, and the lives and communities it improves,” said Dr. Matthew Vann, director, University of Illinois Extension.
The launch of the center marks an important step toward creating stronger food systems, expanding access to nutritious food, and building healthier communities through collaboration, education, and research-driven action.
Photo Credit: pexels-julia-m-cameron
Categories: Illinois, Education