Food Archives - CU-CitizenAccess.org

The public restaurant inspection database system used by the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District beginning April 2026 launched with less search capabilities and features than the previous system. Screenshot captured Aug. 7, 2026.

Champaign County restaurant inspections database lessens transparency of health safety information

Post author:Grace Sun / For CU-CitizenAccess
Post published:August 17, 2026
Post category:Food Public Health Technology

Since 2014, anyone could look up Champaign County restaurant inspections online to check whether a food establishment failed to meet health safety standards. The…

Read more about the article More restaurants closed after failing routine inspections last year in Champaign-Urbana

Andrew Burkey

Newman Hall’s dining hall was shut down on Oct. 24 after receiving a red placard. Photo by Andrew Burkey

More restaurants closed after failing routine inspections last year in Champaign-Urbana

Post author:Andrew Burkey / For CU-CitizenAccess and CU-CitizenAccess.org
Post published:January 21, 2026
Post category:Business Food Public Health

More restaurants in Champaign and Urbana received a red placard and were closed during a routine inspection last year compared with 2024. At least…

Read more about the article SNAP benefits resume, but new work requirements threaten thousands of recipients in Champaign County

Champaign-Urbana Public Health District

A portion of the map of food pantries and other resources from the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District's website.

SNAP benefits resume, but new work requirements threaten thousands of recipients in Champaign County

Post author:Rheanna Lewis / For CU-CitizenAccess
Post published:December 18, 2025
Post category:Food Government Public Funds

As SNAP benefits are back following a 43-day government shutdown, millions of recipients may have to meet new work requirements to continue receiving them. …

Read more about the article Lierman neighbors still fighting food insecurity since loss of community garden as developers scout former land

Jahzara Norris

The former land where the Lierman Community Garden once was located, which allowed local residents to grow their own vegetables, in September 2025. Photo by Jahzara Norris.

Lierman neighbors still fighting food insecurity since loss of community garden as developers scout former land

Post author:Jahzara Norris / For CU-CitizenAccess and Laniyah Whitehead / For CU-CitizenAccess
Post published:December 15, 2025
Post category:Food Government Neighborhoods

The Lierman Community Garden launched in 2015 as a way for residents to access fresh vegetables and rent a spot to plant their own…

Read more about the article Soybean tariffs threaten Illinois farmers again

U.S. Census Bureau

Photo from U.S. Census Bureau.

Soybean tariffs threaten Illinois farmers again

Post author:Henry Young / For CU-CitizenAccess and CU-CitizenAccess.org
Post published:June 3, 2025
Post category:Agriculture Food Government Public Funds

Soybeans are America’s largest agricultural export, averaging over $28 billion in export value annually over the last three years. Illinois was the largest soybean-producing…

Read more about the article Built on Soul: How Neil St. Blues Became a Cornerstone of Downtown Champaign

Rachel Johnson

Gayle Starks and her family run Neil St. Blues at 301 N. Neil St. in downtown Champaign. Photo by Rachel Johnson.

Built on Soul: How Neil St. Blues Became a Cornerstone of Downtown Champaign

Post author:Rachel Johnson / For CU-CitizenAccess
Post published:May 14, 2025
Post category:Business Community Voices Food

A family-run restaurant’s journey through community, culture, and economic resilience. Inside Neil St. Blues, warm golden light reflects off a polished concrete floor and…

Read more about the article Kitchens reopen at Champaign assisted living facility seven weeks after failed health inspection

CU-CitizenAccess.org

Bickford of Champaign at 1002 S. Staley Rd on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024.

Kitchens reopen at Champaign assisted living facility seven weeks after failed health inspection

Post author:Megan Krok / For CU-CitizenAccess
Post published:October 25, 2024
Post category:Elderly Watch Food Public Health

Kitchens at the assisted living facility Bickford of Champaign have reopened about seven weeks after receiving a red placard and failing its health inspection…

Puerta Del Sol in Rantoul. Screenshot from Google Street View.

These Champaign County restaurants failed health inspections in 2023

Post author:CU-CitizenAccess.org
Post published:January 10, 2024
Post category:Food Public Health

Last year, as of late November, 10 restaurants in Champaign County were closed and received a red placard because of failed health inspections. But…

Read more about the article Health inspectors failed about 80 restaurants and closed 10 last year in Champaign County; Some restaurants repeatedly failed for weeks

Ambar India on Nov. 13, 2023. Photo by Maggie Knutte.

Health inspectors failed about 80 restaurants and closed 10 last year in Champaign County; Some restaurants repeatedly failed for weeks

Post author:Maggie Knutte / For CU-CitizenAccess
Post published:January 10, 2024
Post category:Business Food Public Health

A moldy bell pepper. Bare hands touching ready-to-eat food. Food that expired over a week ago sitting in the fridge. These are just a…

Read more about the article University of Illinois campus food pantries help struggling students, tackle stigma; Groceries often more expensive on campus

Bevier Cafe, at 905 S Goodwin Avenue in Urbana, runs the Everybody Eats program.

University of Illinois campus food pantries help struggling students, tackle stigma; Groceries often more expensive on campus

Post author:Anulika Ochuba / For CU-CitizenAccess
Post published:December 19, 2023
Post category:Food Neighborhoods

With grocery costs notably greater in the heart of campus, two University of Illinois programs are dedicated to providing food assistance to students in…