URBANA, IL (Chambana Today) — The College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is inviting alumni, community members and supporters to help expand food access across the state through its annual Orange & Blue Days campaign.
The three-day crowdfunding event, set for March 4–6, will benefit the Extension Nutrition Security and Food Systems Fund. The fund supports programs delivered by Illinois Extension, the outreach division of the College of ACES.
Organizers say the initiative comes at a critical time as food-insecure households face challenges related to changes in SNAP funding and the elimination of SNAP-Education programs.
“We know our alumni and stakeholders care as much as we do about communities across Illinois,” said College of ACES Dean Germán Bollero. “We hope you’ll save the date for March 6 and give so that, together, we can ensure every child and every family can access the food and resources they need to thrive.”
Funds raised will support programs including:
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Eat.Move.Save, which provides practical nutrition and budgeting tools for families and professionals
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Find Food IL, a multilingual statewide resource connecting residents to food pantries, SNAP and WIC retailers, and meal programs
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Community-based partnerships aimed at addressing local food gaps and strengthening neighborhood food systems
“Extension staff are deeply embedded in communities across the state, where they deliver research-based programs and build local partnerships to meet their neighbors’ needs,” said Jennifer McCaffrey, assistant dean and program leader for Health and Community Wellness in Extension. “Through these personal relationships, we know our neighbors are struggling with food access in cities, rural communities, and everywhere in between. The tools and partnerships we’ve built have been designed and shown to deliver meaningful change. We’re excited to invite the public to help support our efforts through Orange & Blue Days.”
On March 6 — the college’s designated Orange & Blue Day — organizers hope to secure 102 donors, symbolizing the 102 counties served by Extension. Donations will be accepted throughout the three-day campaign at this link: Donation · Orange & Blue Days 2026! · GiveCampus.
