Illinois Community Colleges unite this fall for the second annual Feed the Need Campus Food Drive, tackling student hunger statewide from Oct. 15 to Dec. 1.
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USA TODAY Network, Reuters
Illinois community colleges will once again compete to collect food for local pantries and campus food banks when the third annual Feed the Need Campus Food Drive begins Oct. 19 and continues through Nov. 30.
The statewide effort is organized by the Illinois Community College Board and will engage campuses across Illinois in a friendly competition, according to a community announcement.
Community colleges donated more than 180,000 nonperishable food items during last year’s campaign, surpassing the 91,000 items gathered during the inaugural effort in 2024.
The campaign encourages students, faculty, staff and community members to donate nonperishable food items at designated collection sites on participating community college campuses.
Donations support students and families
Food collected during the drive will be distributed through local food pantries and campus-based food banks, helping students and families facing hunger during the holiday season and beyond.
“Feed the Need reflects the very best of our community college system: colleges supporting their students, responding to the needs of their communities and working together to make a greater impact. The growth of this effort over the past two years has been inspiring,” said Illinois Community College Board Chair Sylvia Jenkins.
The college that collects the most items will receive a commemorative plaque. Elgin Community College led last year’s drive, while John Wood Community College, College of DuPage, Illinois Eastern Community Colleges and Shawnee Community College were among the other strong participants.
Food insecurity remains a challenge
The announcement notes that studies have found as many as 40% of community college students nationwide experience food insecurity, underscoring the ongoing need for support programs and food assistance efforts.
Organizers said the campaign demonstrates how Illinois community colleges can work together to address challenges facing students while strengthening communities throughout the state.
This story was produced by reporter Nida Tazeen, NTazeen@usatodayco.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.
This article originally appeared on Galesburg Register-Mail: Illinois colleges start ‘Feed the Need’ food drive
Reporting by Nida Tazeen, Galesburg Register-Mail / Galesburg Register-Mail
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
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This story was originally published October 19, 2026 at 3:31 AM.
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