Illinois Valley Community College has joined Illinois community colleges this fall to address food insecurity through the third annual Feed The Need Campus Food Drive, which continues through November 30. Colleges will collect non-perishable food items on campus, with IVCC’s donations benefiting the campus food pantry, Eagles Peak.

The statewide initiative, organized by the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB), is a friendly competition that serves a critical need. According to recent studies, as many as 40 percent of community college students nationally face food insecurity.

“The statewide Feed the Need Drive is a great way to bring a wider awareness of the food insecurity facing so many of our students today. Our campus and community have been tremendously generous to our pantry and this is just another way to continue supporting our students in need,” said IVCC President Dr. Tracy Morris.

Ashlee Fitzpatrick, associate director of retention and the pantry coordinator, looks forward to the collection campaign each year. “It is a great way to have some friendly competition with other community colleges while restocking our campus pantry.”

Students, faculty, staff, and community members can drop off non-perishable food items at donation boxes located in the hallway outside the Counseling Office, CTC 202.

Fitzpatrick said some items that continue to be in demand at Eagles Peak include condiments (ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, pickles); staples such as salt and pepper, bottled water, cereal, broth, seasonings, cooking oil, ground coffee, and baking mixes; snacks such as Pop Tarts, fruit cups or granola bars, and basic needs items such as shampoo, body wash, deodorant, and laundry detergent.

Last year, the 39 Illinois community college districts collectively donated more than 180,000 food items to support students and families across the state. That total dwarfed the 91,000 items collected in the inaugural 2024 effort.

The colleges will track the donations and report their totals to the ICCB in December. The college that collects the most food will receive a plaque and recognition at the ICCB Board meeting on January 15, 2027.