Illinois community colleges are joining forces once again to fight food insecurity through the third annual Feed the Need Campus Food Drive. The statewide initiative, organized by the Illinois Community College Board, began Monday and will continue through November 30th. The program encourages students, faculty, staff and community members to donate non-perishable food items to support campus food banks and local food pantries.
Last year, participating community colleges collected more than 180,000 food items, nearly doubling the 91,000 items donated during the program’s inaugural year in 2024. Illinois Community College Board Executive Director Brian Durham says the initiative demonstrates what community colleges can accomplish by working together to address food insecurity among students and families.
The program includes a friendly competition among participating colleges, with a commemorative plaque awarded to the institution collecting the most food items. Elgin Community College claimed the top spot last year, while several other institutions, including Illinois Eastern Community Colleges and Shawnee Community College, were recognized for strong participation.
Officials say food insecurity remains a significant concern, with studies indicating that as many as 40 percent of community college students nationwide experience difficulty obtaining enough food. The Feed the Need initiative involves Illinois’ 39 community college districts, with donations going directly toward helping students and families facing hunger.
Community members interested in participating can donate non-perishable food items at designated collection locations on participating community college campuses.
The food drive continues through November 30th, with donations helping provide meals during the upcoming holiday season and beyond.