University of Illinois Extension, Iroquois County Unit

Agriculture in the Classroom (AITC) is a statewide educational program. Its goal is to help students, teachers, and the general public gain a greater awareness of the role of agriculture in the economy and society. Thousands of farm products are in the world around us, on our plates, in the clothes we wear, in the medicine that makes us well, and in earth-friendly fuels and plastics. With less than 2% of our population involved in production agriculture, many people don't know the source of their food and fiber. Americans spend less of their total income on food than any country in the world -- only 11%. Ag in the Classroom is offered through the University of Illinois Extension Ford / Iroquois Counties in partnership with Ford/Iroquois County Farm Bureau. To request materials or classroom program, please contact Jen Odle by phone, 815-268-4051 or by email, jodle@illinois.edu

The All My Money: Change for the Better curriculum is a train-the-trainer financial management program for persons working with limited-resource audiences. All My Money: Change for the Better (AMM) is designed so that agency staff, social workers and other educators can teach financial literacy topics, even if they do not personally have expertise in financial management. For much more detail about All My Money, please go to http://go.illinois.edu/allmymoney.

The 4-H is a youth organization where kids 8 to 18 build skills they need for a lifetime. They do this by learning, leading, and having fun with the support of caring adults. There are over 600 youth in Ford and Iroquois counties who participate in 4-H. There are clubs in almost every community. Youth may choose to enroll in a variety of projects ranging from robotics, public speaking, cooking, shooting sports, and raising animals. There is something for everyone. Groups participate in community service projects that teach important life skills and encourage youth to develop leadership abilities that will aid in successful careers. Cloverbuds provide age-appropriate activities for youth ages 5-7.

The Money Mentors program is a network of trained volunteers who work one-on-one with individuals who request help with personal money management. Money Mentors are available to assist individuals with personal finance strategies, including: Budgeting, Establishing Financial Goals, Building Savings, Managing Credit, and Organizing Finances. These Money Mentors are available to meet with participants online or by phone. There is no cost to meet with a mentor. To register for the Money Mentors program, visit: www.go.illinois.edu/askamentor

SNAP-Ed is nutrition education that is available to SNAP recipients and other limited-resource individuals and families. We focus on nutrition education and obesity prevention in an interactive, evidence-based, and behavior-change-focused format. Education programs are provided to area schools, food pantries, pre-schools, and faith-based organizations serving limited resource audiences.

From May through October, Master Gardners are available at the Ford-Iroquois Extension office on Thursdays from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm to answer questions and identification of potential problems for area gardeners. These individuals have received extensive training from U. of I. Educators on various aspects of horticulture are ready to serve local residents. In addition, local residents may bring samples to the Extension office for an online Plant Clinic diagnosis. Trained staff members send digital photos of weeds, diseases, or insects to experts across the state for treatment and recommendations.