If you lead or work at a local food pantry, a University of Illinois Extension program next month could be a great resource to boost your operation.

Terri Miller-Casey is Extension Director for the U of I Extension in Logan, Menard, and Sangamon Counties. She indicates a program coming next month will provide anyone who may lead a food pantry or volunteers at one with great resources and information on improving its service to its community.

For Miller-Casey, there are going to be several benefits for this program. From getting connected with other food pantry operators to getting food handlers licenses and even increasing access to fresh fruits and vegetables will all be a part of this program.

Nutrition policy and a mission policy are all part of what Miller-Casey calls 'the power of the P's'. She says it helps food pantries in their overall organizational structure. There will also be a component of food pantry operators and volunteers connecting with some of the most in-need members of its community.

According to Miller-Casey, this conference also seeks to recognize the most outstanding individuals and their work in the state. She believes amazing people are doing amazing things and those individuals should be recognized.

SNAP educators within the U of I Extension came together to put this program together. Miller-Casey believes it is going to be a great resource for communities up and down the state as food insecurity is likely to continue to grow as inflation impacts Illinois families.

The conferences are on March 9 in Oglesby and then March 17 in Springfield. Get more information by visiting extension.illinois.edu for more information. Miller-Casey reminds those nominations for the awards are on February 25.