FOOD SYSTEMS

FOOD SYSTEMS 4-H IS INVESTING IN THE NEXT GENERATION OF FOOD ADVOCACY LEADERS

FOOD SYSTEMS

4-H is invested in creating more food access throughout Illinois, and youth are leading the way.

The 4-H Food Advocacy Grants program is aimed at helping youth become food advocates right in their own communities.

The grants provide financial support to youth-led projects aimed at increasing food security throughout Illinois. Youth led grants included mission gardens, backpack buddies, food

My hope is that we can come together as a community and make sure that no one has to go hungry, I want people to see that we can change lives for the better, just by helping each other. YOUTH GRANT RECIPIENT TRINITY MCCORMICK OF WHITE COUNTY

The BRANDT Foundation provided financial support for these grants through the Illinois 4-H Foundation.

FOOD SYSTEMS

BUILDING PATHS THAT LEAD TO BRIGHTER FUTURES

4-H youth from six states convened at the 2022 National 4-H Council Ag Innovators Experience on the University of Illinois campus for hands-on training, tours, and educational sessions.

Youth leaders from Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Nebraska, Missouri, and Kansas were able to apply for this opportunity to learn more about ag innovation and how to teach about the topic.

“I’m excited because I can learn a lot more about how agriculture has changed and how I can help change it,” says Illinois youth delegate Gauri Venkatraman of DuPage County. “I took part in the experience last year and enjoyed teaching other kids and teens, and I also learned a lot.”

Delegates heard from leading researchers in the field of crop sciences and had the opportunity to receive hands-on experiences with University of Illinois faculty.

Teens are empowered to take what they’ve learned back to their states with a teen facilitator guide to 20 or more youth in their home state, who will then go out across their home state teaching additional youth, with the goal of reaching at least 6,000 youth across the Midwest.

BUILDING NETWORKS TO CREATE CHANGE

FOOD SYSTEMS

The National 4-H Youth Summit for Agri-Science is a pioneer in the National Youth Summit Series, bringing together teen agriculture and science leaders from across the country to focus on learning about and solving agri-science issues impacting communities and the economy.

This year’s Illinois teen delegates include: Elaan Bader, Montgomery County; Lillian Kennedy, Ogle County; Peter Metivier, McLean County; Saralynn Joiner, Macoupin County; Anthony Joiner, Macoupin County; and Luke Wolff, Macoupin County. We can't wait to hear what they've learned and the knowledge they'll bring back to our local communities!

MISSION: TACKLE LOCAL ISSUES THROUGH GLOBAL CONNECTIONS

Illinois 4-H members partnered with Brazil 4-H members and the Instituto Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul for the “Clube Solo Fértil” special interest club, giving young people in Brazil and the US opportunities to build cross cultural friendships while working together on issues related to Food Insecurity.

YOUR GIFT HELPS 4-H DO MORE!

Give to support • National experiences for youth • 4-H Food Access Fund • Illinois 4-H Endowment Fund

FOOD SYSTEMS

ILLINOIS TEEN RECEIVES NATIONAL RECOGNITION FOR SPEARHEADING RESEARCH IN FIGHT AGAINST JAPANESE BEETLE

Matias Habib never aimed to be a leader of sustainable agriculture. However, when the invasive species Japanese Beetle devastated his family’s orchard, Matias spent his summer applying his 4-H Entomology knowledge to study natural methods to combat the beetle. He presented his research at the Illinois State 4-H Fair, and there the Entomologist judge gave him words of inspiration: “You’re innovating in a billion-dollar industry. Keep it up.” So he did. COVID gave Matias extra time to focus on his work, and he spent his summer building a lab, researching, running tests on a myriad of plant oils and other substances, and ultimately developing a patent-pending, all-natural formula that protects foliage from the Japanese Beetle and other pests.

KENDALL COUNTY YOUTH MATIAS HABIB NAMED 2023 YOUTH IN ACTION AGRICULTURE PILLAR WINNER

THROUGH 4-H, MATIAS FOUND THE CONNECTION, INSPIRATION, AND CONFIDENCE TO TURN HIS IDEAS INTO REALITY.

With the support of his 4-H leaders, Matias launched his own business – TerraBuster – and began selling his unique bio-pesticide online and in local nurseries. Now expanding TerraBuster’s line of products to repellents for other pests that threaten crops. In line with his personal commitment to environmental sustainability, he reduces single-use plastics through refillable spray bottles, keeps carbon emissions low by local sourcing and distribution, and raises awareness of damaging toxic chemicals.

Matias’ interest in science and organic agriculture is rooted in childhood challenges. Growing up overseas, he struggled with language barriers and social anxiety. Often feeling like an outsider, he was eventually diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. He now realizes those differences are vital tools to empower his passion and focus on science. Through 4-H, Matias found the connection, inspiration, and confidence to turn his ideas into reality. A senior at the Illinois Math and Science Academy, Matias plans to pursue a career to develop innovative solutions that protect the environment.