LASALLE – Officials, community members and representatives of the University of Illinois gathered to support the grand opening ceremony of U of I’s education center and community teaching kitchen in LaSalle, Tuesday.
The pilot extension located in downtown LaSalle on First Street, is one of three pilot projects across the state, serving Bureau, LaSalle, Marshall and Putnam counties. The extension is supported by U of I’s Illinois Nutrition Education Programs, (INEP) providing education to individuals and families in communities. Programs include health and wellness, youth and adult cooking, food safety training, gardening, finances as well as 4-H youth groups.
“It’s a great opportunity that offers families, agencies and schools the chance to come and partner with extension, learn new skills, network and fill gaps where programs have been lost”, said County Extension Director Jill Guynn.
-Mahalia Johnson
Just three years ago the project was but a vision, in the eyes of Dr. Jennifer McCaffrey, Assistant Dean for the Family and Consumer Sciences Program for the U of I extension.
Dr. McCaffrey reached out to County Extension Director Jill Guyn at Illinois Valley Community College and expressed her interest in supporting the four county area.
Through the funding of snap education program and helping hands of LaSalle’s Economic Development staff, city and county officials, the vision was brought to life.
– City of LaSalle Alderman, James “Diz” Demes
