The University of Illinois Extension and Christian County YMCA partnered this summer to teach kids the importance of eating healthy and eating locally. The Extension taught the “Got Veggies Curriculum” in hour-long sessions at the YMCA Day Camp each Wednesday during June and July.

Catherine O’Connell is the Publicity and Promotions Assistant at the University of Illinois Extension Christian County Office. She says the kids got to tour local food growers, and even grow their own food.

O’Connell says the partnership with the YMCA is a part of a larger effort to promoting eating local in the area.

The Eat Local Initiative was created thanks in part to a donation to the U of I Extension from the Lumpkin Family Foundation.