Springfield, Ill. – The Illinois Community College Board announced the start of its third annual “Feed the Need” food drive, a statewide competition designed to help students facing food insecurity. Speaking on WTAX’s Morning Newswatch, board spokesperson Matt Berry explained that the challenge encourages colleges to grow campus food pantries and organize local drives, giving students one less worry on their plates.
Why the drive matters for students and families
Berry highlighted that many community‑college students are older adults, parents, or workers who juggle coursework with family responsibilities and limited incomes. “We want to have one less thing on that student’s plate that they have to worry about,” he said. “If we can raise awareness and support at the community colleges, we hope that’s one less worry and they can focus on their studies and long‑term goals.”
Growing campus food resources
Over the past few years, a growing number of Illinois community colleges have opened on‑campus food pantries or “food closets” to address hunger among students. Berry noted that these pantries not only provide emergency meals but also serve as hubs for nutrition education and community partnership.
“We were looking around the community college system, and we have a growing number of colleges that have their own food pantries,” Berry said. “A lot of those institutions were doing local food drives, and we thought, what better way to raise awareness for the need for community college students?”
Lincoln Land leads the way
Lincoln Land Community College, located just outside Springfield, has participated in the last two “Feed the Need” challenges and is expected to be a strong contender again this year. The college’s student services department reports that its pantry has served hundreds of meals since its inception, and the upcoming competition will motivate other campuses to match or exceed that impact.
How colleges can compete
Participating schools will track the amount of food collected, the number of students served, and the growth of their pantry inventories. The board will recognize top performers at a statewide awards ceremony later in the academic year, providing publicity and potential grant opportunities for the winning institutions.
Community involvement
Local businesses, faith groups, and families are encouraged to donate non‑perishable items, fresh produce, and monetary contributions. Berry emphasized that community support is essential: “When the broader community steps up, we can amplify the reach of these pantries and ensure no student goes hungry while pursuing a degree.”
Looking ahead
The “Feed the Need” initiative aligns with broader efforts to strengthen the educational pipeline in Illinois by removing barriers to student success. By addressing basic needs such as nutrition, the state hopes to improve retention rates, graduation outcomes, and ultimately, the workforce readiness of its graduates.
For more information on how to contribute or volunteer with a campus pantry, students and residents can contact their local community college’s student services office or visit the Illinois Community College Board’s website.
Original reporting: Capitol City Now (WTAX 1240 Springfield) — read the source article.
