Spoon River College Joins Statewide Feed the Need Campus Food Drive

Spoon River College is taking part in the third annual Feed the Need Campus Food Drive, collecting non-perishable food items for local food pantries and campus-based food banks through Nov. 30.

The statewide drive began Oct. 19 and aims to address food insecurity among students and families, according to the college. Donations collected at Spoon River College will benefit local food pantries and SRC Student Needs pantries in the communities where they are gathered, helping students and families during the holiday season and beyond.

Donation boxes are located in the lower level of Centers in the cafeteria and at the Havana, Macomb and Rushville campuses. Students, faculty, staff and community members are encouraged to donate non-perishable food items throughout the drive.

"At Spoon River College, we know that students can't focus on their education if their basic needs aren't met. Participating in the Feed the Need Food Drive is one way we can help remove those barriers," said Missy Wilkinson, dean of student services at Spoon River College. "It's also a great reminder of what's possible when our college and community come together to support one another. Every contribution matters and helps make a real difference for our students."

About the drive

Feed the Need is organized by the Illinois Community College Board, which runs it as a friendly competition among all 39 Illinois community college districts. The ICCB says last year's drive collected more than 180,000 food items, more than doubling the 91,000 items collected during the inaugural 2024 drive.

"Over the past two years, Feed the Need has grown into a tremendous statewide effort, demonstrating what Illinois Community Colleges can accomplish when we come together around a shared purpose," said Brian Durham, ICCB executive director. "Food insecurity continues to be a real challenge for many students and families, and we encourage every college to get involved and help us build on the momentum we have created."

The college cited studies indicating as many as 40% of community college students nationwide experience food insecurity.

Spoon River College is a two-year, public community college in West-Central Illinois with campuses in Canton and Macomb and learning centers in Havana and Rushville, according to the college's website.