University of Illinois Extension has welcomed Rachel Mannen as a nutrition and wellness educator in their Champaign County office.
This role will equip individuals and families in Champaign, Ford, Iroquois, and Vermilion Counties with the tools they need to move toward a healthier lifestyle by empowering them to make informed choices that will positively impact their well-being. Her arrival marks a renewed focus on delivering the latest research-based information directly to our communities to help them lead healthy lives.
“We are delighted to welcome Rachel to our team as our new nutrition and wellness educator,” said Ginger Boas, County Director of Illinois Extension serving Champaign, Ford, Iroquois, and Vermilion Counties. “With Rachel’s experience and passion for promoting healthy living, we are confident that our community will reap the benefits of a renewed focus on nutrition and wellness.”
Equipped with a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from Eastern Illinois University, Rachel comes to Illinois Extension from the Champaign-Urban Public Health District, where she worked as a WIC nutritionist. Rachel is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Illinois Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, and Eastern Illinois Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
“I am very excited to be a part of the return of the nutrition and wellness program in Illinois Extension,” said Rachel Mannen. “Joining Illinois Extension is an exciting opportunity to make a tangible difference in our community members’ lives. I can’t wait to collaborate with our team and community partners to develop and implement programs that empower individuals and families to make informed choices to enhance their well-being.”
Rachel said is eager to educate the public on child nutrition, chronic diseases, community health, food safety, healthy cooking, and nutrition education. She hopes to provide the community with cooking demos to demonstrate easy ways to stay healthy, among many other fun and informative lessons.
More information about Illinois Extension serving Champaign, Ford, Iroquois, and Vermilion Counties can be found online at go.illinois.edu/CFIV.