Illinois Valley Community College has joined community colleges across Illinois this fall for the third annual Feed The Need Campus Food Drive, a statewide effort to address student food insecurity that runs through Nov. 30.

Donations collected at IVCC will benefit the campus food pantry, Eagles Peak.

The statewide initiative is organized by the Illinois Community College Board as a friendly competition. According to the release, recent studies show 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, said she looks forward to the campaign each year. "It is a great way to have some friendly competition with other community colleges while restocking our campus pantry."

How to donate

Students, faculty, staff and community members can drop off non-perishable food items at donation boxes in the hallway outside the Counseling Office, CTC 202. IVCC is located at 815 N. Orlando Smith Road in Oglesby.

Fitzpatrick said items in demand at Eagles Peak include:

  • Condiments such as ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise and 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
  • Basic needs items such as shampoo, body wash, deodorant and laundry detergent

Statewide totals

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

The colleges will track 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 Jan. 15, 2027.