Illinois Valley Community College has joined the Feed the Need Campus Food Drive, a coordinated, statewide campaign to collect non-perishable food and toiletries through December 1st. The drive supports both local and campus pantries, directly addressing the rising challenge of food insecurity among students. Organizers are encouraging donations from students, staff, and the community, hoping to top last year’s impressive total of more than 91,000 items collected. Collection points are set up across campus, making it easy for participants to contribute. The initiative highlights how higher education institutions are stepping up to meet vital community needs during challenging times. “Feed the Need represents the mission of community colleges—meeting students where they are, addressing real challenges, and building stronger communities together,” said ICCB Board Chair Dr. Sylvia Jenkins.
“Food insecurity remains one of the biggest barriers to student success,” said Brian Durham, Executive Director of the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB), which sponsors the initiative. “By joining forces across the state, community colleges can make a meaningful difference not only on campus but also in the communities they serve.”
“Our students are accessing our pantry now more than ever, and this competition is a way for us to show the whole state what I already know … that our campus community is so generous and focused on serving our students. It is my hope that we can find ways to provide different items and have some fun competition along the way,” said IVCC President Dr. Tracy Morris.
The community can drop off non-perishable food and essential household items at the collection box stationed outside the Counseling Office in CTC 202. Requested donations include staples like rice, broth, seasonings, canned fruits and vegetables, along with pancake mix and ground coffee. Basic hygiene items such as full-size shampoo, deodorant, body wash, and dish soap are also needed. All contributions will go directly to individuals and families facing food insecurity and shortages of everyday necessities. Donations are appreciated throughout the semester.
“We are very fortunate to have partnerships with Riverbend Food Bank and Hy-Vee to help keep our pantry stocked. We have also had generous donations from United Way of Illinois Valley, community members, and IVCC employees this past year that have helped fill the gaps,” Fitzpatrick added. The pantry will also receive two new standup freezers through the Feel Good Fridge program.
