Illinois 4-H Food Action Academy
A comprehensive 6-part curriculum to strengthen youth leadership skills by designing and implementing service learning projects to create greater food access where they live. A collaborative project between the University of Illinois Extension, Illinois 4-H, SNAP-Ed, and the National Farm to School Network, we are building the next generation of food advocacy leaders by assisting youth in understanding the connection between food access and community health while providing them the resources they need to take effective action to create change.
All participants in the curriculum will have access to a toolkit that will include the following program materials:
- Facilitators Guide: All the documents, guides, worksheets, and tip sheets you will need to lead a small group of young leaders through the curriculum experience. Available for download as a .pdf upon registering for the program.
- Participants Booklet: The booklet your participants will use to guide them through the curriculum content and activities. Available in .pdf upon registering for the program.
- Presentation Slide Deck: An interactive and engaging slide deck to be used as a visual guide for each lesson. Contains notes and pointers for the program leader. Available as a PowerPoint file or PDF upon registering for the program.
Key Concepts
- Agriculture
- Civic Engagement
- Communication
- Community Service
- Cultural Competency
- Environment
- Food Advocacy
- Foods & Nutrition
- Global Citizenship
- Healthy Living
- Leadership
- Local Foods
- Personal Development
- Workforce Readiness
For Youth Grades 7-12
- Demonstrate increased youth leadership capacity through the implementation of action plans to effect positive changes in local food systems.
- Sustaining youth-centered community engagement through service learning focused on social issues that affect community health.
- Developing culturally relevant, comprehensive educational tools to enhance the strength of food systems education in Illinois.
- Creating a collaborative environment for adult experts and mentors to partner with youth leaders and support their personal and professional development.
Educators are encouraged to complete all 6 lessons to provide students with a comprehensive picture of food access and food systems. However, it is expected you will utilize your expertise in conducting the Food Action Academy and select which lessons are most relevant to your youth and/or make modifications as needed to better fit your context. The goal is to create a positive environment where students can explore the ideas contained in the curriculum and put them into action as they grow personally and professionally while helping their community.
- Horticulture, Small Farms/Local Foods Educators, and SNAP‐Ed Educators.
- U of I College of ACES Faculty & Staff
- Local Non-Profit Organizations, Food Banks and Food Pantries
- Food / Farming Advocacy Organizations
- Ag Education Programs (FFA, Jr. MANNRS, 4-H, AITC, etc)