In Illinois, community colleges recently came together to tackle food insecurity among students. Their initiative, the Feed the Need Campus Food Drive, has seen impressive growth in its second year, doubling the number of donations compared to 2024.
This year, nearly 180,000 non-perishable food items were collected for campus and community food banks. That’s a huge leap from last year’s total of around 91,000 items. Brian Durham, Executive Director of the Illinois Community College Board, emphasized the importance of this teamwork. He stated, “Food insecurity affects students in every region of Illinois, and community colleges remain united in addressing this challenge.”
Elgin Community College led the way this year, gathering over 34,000 food items. Peggy Heinrich, the college’s president, highlighted that this victory symbolizes the care and support within their community. “Access to basic needs is essential for student success,” she noted proudly.
Other participating colleges included John Wood Community College, Illinois Eastern Community College, College of DuPage, and Shawnee Community College. More than half of Illinois community colleges took part in this drive, showcasing a strong collective effort.
Food insecurity is a widespread problem facing college students across the U.S. The 2023–2024 Student Basic Needs Survey by Temple University’s Hope Center found that about 41% of college students struggle with inconsistent access to food. This percentage is significantly higher than the general population.
Students of color are particularly affected. The same survey reported that 54% of Black or African American students and 50% of Hispanic or Latino students experience food insecurity. In Illinois, hunger impacts approximately 10.6% of residents, roughly 1.3 million people, according to Feeding America.
The Feed the Need initiative not only raises essential resources but also fosters a sense of community. Participating schools rallied students, faculty, and local partners to donate food, ensuring that many have access to meals during tough times.
Understanding the scale of the challenge is crucial. As the discussion around food insecurity grows, communities are increasingly looking for solutions. The success of the Feed the Need drive shows how collaboration can spark change and foster student success. Support systems like these are vital for creating a nurturing environment where all students can thrive.
