Illinois teens host event to help local youth, families live healthy on a budget

WHAT: As part of the 4-H Food Smart Families program, the University of Illinois Extension 4-H and teen teachers will host a community event to help local youth and their families to live healthy on a budget.

WHEN: Friday, August 8, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. (Closed to the public)

WHERE: Peoria Zoo, 2320 N Prospect Rd., Peoria, IL 61603

VISUAL:  Approximately 500 participants in the 4-H Food Smart Families program will take part in the healthy living event. Teens will share what they’ve learned from the 4-H Food Smart Families program.

MORE INFORMATION: The event will be a celebration of nine weeks of summer programming where 4-H teens who have been trained to deliver the 4-H Food Smart Families program will share what they’ve learned and families can enjoy a meal, educational activities and fun at the zoo. Each family will receive a passport to track all of the learning activities they participate in as they navigate the zoo.

The 4-H Food Smart Families program was created by National 4-H Council and ConAgra Foods Foundation to address hunger and obesity in the U.S. by equipping more families with nutrition education, cooking skills and grocery budgeting skills. The program will target 2,500 youth and their families in Illinois.