Training series aims to strengthen local food pantries

Food pantries in Champaign County are stepping up efforts to better serve individuals and families in need with a comprehensive training series aimed at improving pantry operations and client interactions. Organized by University of Illinois Extension, the training offers essential skills for pantry staff and volunteers to handle the growing demand for food assistance while maintaining a safe, welcoming, and efficient environment.

Chambana Todayeifoodbank.orgThe in-person sessions will be held at the Champaign County Extension Auditorium.

CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – Food pantries in Champaign County are stepping up efforts to better serve individuals and families in need with a comprehensive training series aimed at improving pantry operations and client interactions. Organized by University of Illinois Extension, the training offers essential skills for pantry staff and volunteers to handle the growing demand for food assistance while maintaining a safe, welcoming, and efficient environment.

The hybrid training series, scheduled for both in-person and virtual formats, covers a range of critical topics, including pantry organization, food safety, cultural humility, and understanding diverse dietary needs.

In-Person Sessions: The training kicks off on April 24 with an optional Non-Restaurant Food Handler’s Training from 7:30 to 9:00 a.m., followed by the full Food Pantry Training Series from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Attendees will learn practical strategies for organizing pantry spaces, maintaining food safety, and supporting individuals with diverse dietary preferences and trauma-related food challenges. A special session will focus on cultural humility, helping pantry teams better understand and respect food preferences within different cultural contexts.

Virtual Sessions: For those unable to attend in person, the series offers virtual training, with sessions on topics like decluttering pantry spaces, food safety, trauma and food, and cultural humility. These virtual sessions, which run throughout May, allow participants to engage with the content and discuss real-world applications for their pantries.

“We want to equip food pantry teams with the tools they need to meet the rising demand for services and ensure they can provide the best support to their communities,” said Emily Harmon, Family Life Educator. “This training is an opportunity to enhance pantry operations and build stronger, more supportive relationships with clients.”

The in-person sessions will be held at the Champaign County Extension Auditorium (801 North Country Fair Drive, Champaign). Participants can register and find more information about the training series at go.illinois.edu/foodpantrytraining.