Ensuring that our communities have access to nutritious and culturally relevant foods is a challenge that has motivated young 4-H leaders to get more involved in growing, distributing, and sharing food across the state of Illinois. In 2022-23 alone, 250 Illinois 4-H youth leaders reached over 5,000 Illinois families with gardening and food access service projects. Through small and large-scale food production, coupled with effective advocacy and engagement in their communities' civic life, Illinois 4-H youth are rising to the occasion and helping to create resilient and inclusive food systems. 

"I learned that I can accomplish anything I set my mind to. People are willing to help! They just need someone to organize the community around something that matters to them." 4-H Youth Leader, White County, IL
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Hydroponics
An introduction to the process of growing plants without the use of soil developed by the 4-H program at the University of Tennessee. This signature…
Farmer
A collaboration with the Illinois Farm Bureau, ILAITC is a collection of a wide variety of activities for in-school and after-school programs focused…
Gardening
A 10-week unit of study that is hands-on and academically rich developed by the 4-H program at Texas A & M; Learn, Grow, Eat & GO! The…
2 women picking green peppers in garden
A comprehensive 8-part curriculum to strengthen youth leadership skills through the design and implementation of service learning projects to create…
woman and girl working in garden in early spring
The perfect beginning for any gardening program. Engage youth in planning, designing, and implementing their own garden. Help foster a love of…