More than 1.9 million Illinois residents do not have regular access to nutritious food, according to the advocacy organization Feeding Illinois. One in five Illinois residents experiences hunger weekly. More than 270,000 Illinoisans live in food deserts. These numbers have worsened due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Access to healthy food has a major impact on the overall health and development of young people. Through our grants and programs, Illinois 4-H helps youth to solve real-world problems in their neighborhoods and communities. 

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Unlock Ag Innovations
The 4-H Unlock Ag Innovations Challenge is a series of challenges using the “escape room” format. Through a series of interactive, hands-on… Learn More
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4-H Food Action Academy
A comprehensive 8-part curriculum to strengthen youth leadership skills through the design and implementation of service learning projects to create… Learn More
woman and girl working in garden in early spring
Feeding and Growing Our Communities
The perfect beginning for any gardening program. Engage youth in planning, designing, and implementing their own garden. Help foster a love of… Learn More
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Little Roots
Inspire youth to grow their own food at an early age while nurturing their environmental awareness through horticulture and plant science activities… Learn More