Illinois Valley Community College’s Eagles Peak Food Pantry served a record number of students and their families in 2024, providing essential food supplies to over 2,030 individuals, representing 196 households. With the help of volunteers and donations, the pantry has grown and adapted to meet the increasing food insecurity among students. Recent grants and partnerships have further expanded its services, making a significant impact on campus life and student success. Fitzpatrick would like to add inventory management technology and stock basic-needs items such as laundry soap, hygiene products, and full-sized toiletries. She also hopes to determine how big a factor the pantry is in determining if students stay in college and complete their studies.
“The need has always been there, but awareness of the pantry grew significantly. Food insecurity is an increasing challenge for our students, and our pantry is seeing more visitors than ever,” said Associate Director of Retention Ashlee Fitzpatrick, who oversees the Eagles Peak Food Pantry.
Eagles Peak is included in the campus progress summaries Dr. Morris shares with the Board of Trustees regularly. “I am humbled to see the numbers. The impact we are having for our students is tangible and the indirect impact for their families is amazing. To me, it really speaks to our holistic student support. We are committed to helping our students be successful and that goes well beyond the classroom.”